Old but new to this forum

[dudleyperkins]

Hello, I've always been interested in good old 2 channel stereo. A few years ago I owned a Fatman 182 valve amplifier. The sound was superb, my wife said it was like listening to a favourite cd for the first time, howver it proved to be unreliable and returned under warranty.

I now have an Arcam CD17, Arcam A28 amp and Kef IQ5 speakers, sounds good, but not quite as good as the valve amp. I would like to get back to that valve sound if possible. The hifi is in a small room, separate from the tv, and I'm looking for another valve amp, high power is not required, may be a Unison "Simply Italy".

All suggestions considered.

 

[chebby]

A few that spring to mind...

Icon Audio. (Stereo 25 Mk II or Stereo 20 PP. £849 and £549 respectively. All valve design.)

Croft Acoustics Integrated. (Hybrid. Valve pre-amp/MOSFET power amp stages. £850 or £1000 depending on whether you need a phono-stage.)

PrimaLuna Prologue One integrated. (All valve. £1390.)

 

[CnoEvil]

I think you will be delighted with the sound you will get from a good valve amp.

Chebby has listed some great suggestions, and I would only add Puresound (possibly A30) and Pathos Hybrid amps.

I think your IQ5s are reasonably easy to drive and will sound well with a valve amp (I used to have IQ9s).....IMO. they are a great match with Arcam, and will sound even better with valves.

Let us know how you get on.

Cno

 

[Macspur]

Not sure what your budget is, but if you can afford it the Leben SC300 can be had used or sh for a reasonable price.

Alternatively, if you fancy a valve like sound, perhaps try a class A amp like a Sugden A21.

Mac

 

[dudleyperkins]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will post how I get on, though it will probably be after Christmas.

As for a budget, the Simply Italy is about £1500, that's as much as I will spend.