Tube integrated around $3000..

[Mr Peabody]

You might take a look at Shanling, if they sound as good as they look.....

The VTL would be a strong contender. I don't think The Shrimp has a remote. I believe Rogue Audio also has a higher power integrated.

Audio Research has a 55 wpc integrated, I think it was VT-55. I heard this amp with B&W and with Martin Logan. I didn't care for it personally.

You could probably find a used Conrad Johnson MV60 or 60se power amp and one of their preamps used for $3k. The MV60 is EL34's, the SE is 6550's. Of course, the CJ would be my preference.

[bobsticks]

Hey Yo J-Murda,

Good to see you around friend. I hope the move went smoothly.

I have heard the Cary on a number of speakers (B&W,MBL, and Danes) and it does well.

I've read good stuff about Almarro. Maybe you should play guinea pig for the rest of us and take the plunge. It would be interesting to hear the reports either way.

Probably an imortant factor in any recommendation would be knowing what these "future speakers" are that you have in mind.

Peace


NP: The Rentals~Big Daddy C

[Mike Anderson]

Apart from guitar amps (for which I'll only settle for 100% tubes), my experience with tubes is in hybrid integrated amps - tube pre, SS power.

Given any thought to that? I think it's a great combination, myself.