2. amps-preamps
  3. 128267-85824

Have ~$10-12k...what would you do?

Currently run:
-Melody SP3 (heavily rolled with Winged C 6l6's, NOS RCA triple plate ax7's, NOS RCA clear top au7a's, and have switched between either JJ 6922 or GE ecc88's)
-Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V
-VPI TNT IV with SDS
-Benz H2 Wood Body cart
-Warfedale Jade 5's (87db, 6ohms)

Listen to: Folk, singer-songwriter, jazz, alt-co, and some rock.  Lately been into early 1900's gospel, 60's/70's funk, New Orleans swing.

Thinking I would like to go with Triode...300b is tempting, but options open obviously. 

Just got a complete bargain on the speakers, so will hold on to these for a short bit and upgrade later.  Thinking ATC, Harbeth, KEF, Wilson amongst others, but that can be a different discussion. 

Looking to change up my Melody.  Had it for nearly 10 years, been a good trooper with multiple moves, etc, but time to step it up a bit.  

I have about $10-12k for components and really would love some input on a couple options. 

I've gone everywhere from just doing a better integrated and maybe saving some money (Primaluna HP, Octave, VAC sigma) to separates to mono's (VAC, C-J, Cary, Manley, Rogue, and a few others).  Don't mind used in the least.

I have the chance to purchase some VAC Ren 30/70 monos for about $6500.  These are very tempting, but I know the VAC pre's are rare to appear and unsure of other pre's to match up well. 

If you had my budget, what would you choose, configure, etc.  I've read great things (some better than others) of each of the aforementioned components, 

Thanks to all. 

128x128phaun16

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
I would say that low power 300b SET amplifiers like mine are not a suitable match.  I suspect that the Line Magnetic 508ia with its 805 output tubes providing 48 watts coupled with very stout power supply design and high quality output transformer is a very viable option. These type of rugged amplifiers with high quality watts often outperform their specifications when simply viewing them on paper. No doubt that the Blue Circle amplifier is a worthy option as well. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
My impression is that the Pure Sound M845 is a very good quality SET amplifier. I do agree with Keithr that certain speakers are likely better served being driven by a solid state or push pull tube amplifier. The Jadis I 50 is a very good recommendation for the type of speaker under consideration. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
Phaun16,
You mentioned the VAC REN amplifier and I am familiar with them. It is a terrific amplifier that is 300b push pull rather than SET, I believe  you must decide what type of sound/ direction you really want, this is important. The VAC REN will be different from the SETs I have suggested, both choices are superb for your preferred music taste (all genres actually). Amplifiers like the Edge you mentioned are fine but will take your in a different direction. What type of sound character are you after? Of course amplifier dictates speaker and vice versa is true. 
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
Phaun16,
I have the Coincident 300b SET amplifier. Yes,it’s an excellent music maker but I wouldn’t recommend it for your 87 db speakers. I’d suggest the Coincident Turbo 845 SET (5500.00), Line Magnetic 219ia 845, (7500.00) or the Line Magnetic 508ia 805 tubed amplifier.(5500.00). These 3 will provide you IMO a fabulous SET amplifer experience with suitable power. All three are intergrated but can also be usedc as straight power amplifiers if desired. These are very well built/implemented serious purposed amplifiers with excellent owner feedback. My 300b (Frankenstein MK II) requires an easy load and higher sensitivity speaker match in order to perform at its best.
Charles
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