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Best Tube Amp/Preamp combination with Quad 2805s

Recently upgraded my Thiel 1.6 paired with Krell KAV-400xi integrated amp for a pair of Quad 2805s. Told that the Krell pairing probably won't bring out the best in the Quads. Looking at PrimaLuna Dialogue 3 preamp and Dialogue 7 mono amps. Also advised to look at an Audio Research combination of pre-owned LS17 preamp with pre-owned VS115 amp.
The price combination for the PrimaLuna and pre-owned Audio Research actually comes out pretty comparable. I love jazz, jazz vocals, and classical music. I really want to find a combination in the $6k-$10k range that gives me the closest approach to that "live" performance. I love a big, natural soundstage, front to back and side to side. I just don't want something too analytical with the Quads that becomes fatiguing to listen to.
Any thoughts out there between the PrimaLuna versus Audio Research sound? Any other classic pairings to look at for my price range?
vitman2020

Showing 1 response by acbc

acbc
38 posts
 
Think about an EL-34 based amp. I'm using a Luxman with a set of 989 and it's quite good. I've read that the CS 300(xs) is also very good with quads. I believe that amp uses 7981 or EL-84 tubes. Lower cost systems are certainly available from many companies like Dared, Jodila, Rogue, etc.... The thing about the Quads is they really don't require a lot of power. So you'll be good with 15- 30 watts. Based on the type of music you're focusing on you might want to start here.

Best of luck-enjoy!
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