Hello all.

I bought a set of the Aon 3s.

I have a nice Marantz Amp that does ok.

I need help in two areas. (I read enough about tube amps (and heard very expensive ones) to know I want one.

What is a decent tube amp under $1k (it can be integrated if you explain why that's ok)?

And, I know this is a GoldenEar site, but is there a better Sub for the same price?

Yes I lack sophistication, but I know when something sounds right.

Thank You.

Hi. Glad you like your Aons. You need an integrated amplifier or amp/preamp combo to replace your Marantz. Not sure who makes tube gear under a grand, maybe someone on the forum might have some thoughts for you.

Don't bother with the sub question here - if anyone suggested an alternative I would just point out why the ForceField was a better choice.

Thanks, enjoy your Aons.

Now see, Moderator Dude, you are funny!!!!!
Joe, I have heard the Aon 3s played by a Simply Italy tube amp, only like 12 watts per channel, with EL 34 tubes. Likely not the best tube in the world of Hi Fi, and not many watts, but man it sounded SWEET!!!!! Unfortunately the price was WAY over what you are looking for. I am just saying, I think you are REALLY on the right track. An integrated amp, might not even have to be that powerful, should be a great match.
This may not be helpful, not exactly sure what you would think about this suggestion, but here goes. I would seriously look at buying used. Check out Audiogon. Many a great system has been put together with used gear.
Whatever you do, I think you can enjoy a lot of hours of great listening through the A 3s.
Let us know what you decide and how you get on, PLEASE.
God Bless,
Wayne

I totally agree with the above reply suggesting a used tube amp. I purchased a used prima luna integrated amp at Audiogon for $750 and couldn't be happier. I have the Triton 2's in a two channel system. My son, who is a musician, has the Aon 3's and we hooked them up to the prima luna and the sound was incredible. There are good deals to be had for quality equipment in your price range.
As far as the sub goes, I bought a forcefield 4 for my home theater system and love it. To me it is a very versatile sub, sounding great in both home theater and two channel applications. I have no connection to Golden Ear whatsoever except being a very satisfied customer, and I will say this: for the sound it delivers for the price it asks, nothing can beat it, not even close.

In another post you said Sandy is using this tube amp:
www.decware.com/newsite/SE84CKC.html

$895.00

Is there a reason you didn't recommend this?

Audio newbie so might be missing something....

Sandy uses his larger SET amps (12 watt and 25 watt) on the Triton Twos, which utilize their built in bass amplifier to handle the real power demands. The Aons are passive full range speakers, meaning the amplifier will be driving bass frequencies as well (unless crossed over at a fairly high frequency to an outboard sub). The SET amps will not meet the minimum power demands of the full range speaker to most people's satisfaction. Shoot for a tube amp with a minimum in the 50 watt range.