Cheapest tube amp to power the Susvara well?

[seacard]

I am interested in trying a tube amp with my Susvaras, and I know there are some good options (Riviera AIC-10, Woo WA33, Felix Envy, Auris Nirvana), but they're all in the megabucks territory. Is there a "budget" option that will give me a taste of what the best tubes have to offer over solid state with the Susvara? What's the cheapest I can go for a tube amp that will power the Susvara adequately, and give me an insight into what I might get if I went all out?

(I currently use the ifi iCan Signature Pro, which has a tube mode, but I'm not sure that tube mode is really representative of the best tube amps.)

Ideally, the amp would also be great with the HE1000SE as well.

Thanks!!

 

[chezzer]

Cayin HA 3A or HA 6A

 

[Shane D]

I am interested in trying a tube amp with my Susvaras, and I know there are some good options (Riviera AIC-10, Woo WA33, Felix Envy, Auris Nirvana), but they're all in the megabucks territory. Is there a "budget" option that will give me a taste of what the best tubes have to offer over solid state with the Susvara? What's the cheapest I can go for a tube amp that will power the Susvara adequately, and give me an insight into what I might get if I went all out?

(I currently use the ifi iCan Signature Pro, which has a tube mode, but I'm not sure that tube mode is really representative of the best tube amps.)

Ideally, the amp would also be great with the HE1000SE as well.

Thanks!!

What do you think of your current combo?
I have the OG version and love to combine it with my HE6se V2's.

 

[seacard]

I think the iCan sounds terrific with the Susvara, better (IMO) than the HPA4, Topping A90, or the RAAL HSA1B (those are the previous amps I've owned that I've had some success with). But I keep reading about how amazing a "true" tube amp might be, so figured I'd give it a shot. I've owned various Eddie Current amps over the years, and have had mixed experience with noise, hum, etc. So I'd like to find a reliable tube amp that lets me experience the best of what tubes have to offer, without spending a fortune until I know I want to go in that direction.

 

[Haidar]

You should check out the Raphaelite CK300

 

[seacard]

You should check out the Raphaelite CK300

That's one I haven't ever heard of. Will have to look for some reviews.

 

[Shane D]

I think the iCan sounds terrific with the Susvara, better (IMO) than the HPA4, Topping A90, or the RAAL HSA1B (those are the previous amps I've owned that I've had some success with). But I keep reading about how amazing a "true" tube amp might be, so figured I'd give it a shot. I've owned various Eddie Current amps over the years, and have had mixed experience with noise, hum, etc. So I'd like to find a reliable tube amp that lets me experience the best of what tubes have to offer, without spending a fortune until I know I want to go in that direction.

Do you add anything to the sound with your Susvaras? With my HE6se V2's, I think they sound amazing with bass boost. And after a long time, I realized that the 3D does nice stuff with planars.

Also, have you thought about changing the tubes in the iFi?

 

[Iginus]

I think that the best option at the cheapest price is the Fezz Audio Omega Lupi, period.

 

[seacard]

I think that the best option at the cheapest price is the Fezz Audio Omega Lupi, period.

Thanks, hadn't heard of that one. And I would have dismissed it out of hand based on the power numbers (250mW). Surprised it can drive the Susvara well and offer a taste of the big boys.

 

[Iginus]

I use my Susvara and my Abyss 1266 tc with this amp ( Omega Lupi) and with the Holo Bliss KTE. The Bliss, of course, in in another league, but the power is almost at the same level, a miracle, if you consider the price difference.

 

[jjrivers]

Cayin HA-3A tube amp and zmf pedant v2 are the only tube amps that comes to mind. Not really cheap.

 

[DavidWhite]

In my experience, upgrading the tubes in iCan Pro makes big difference. You may want to start with cheaper tubes like GE 5-star 5670 and play in the Tube+ mode. The 5-star GE is much better than the stock tube. If that goes well with your taste, then upgrade to Ericsson 2c51 or the best is Bendix 6385, which is hard to get and very expensive though. Personally I don't like the famous WE 396a, which rounds off the high frequency too much. But WE 396a has a very tuby sounding signature in middle to lower frequency band.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

not sure if the cheapest, but Cayin HA-3A is excellent choice for the price

 

[whitefang]

The HA-3A is not a bad amp at all. But the output power is in mW range and it literally clips on loud volume when driving the Susvara...

 

[ThanatosVI]

Cayin Ha-6a or Woo Wa22 would be two that come to mind.

At 2500 still not cheap, but compared to the Susvara an adequate price territory

Edit: Technically a Schiit Lyr3 should also be able to Power the Susvara