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How Do I Start Playing With the Big Boys and Girls

I've been into all kinds of music for 40+ years. Until now I haven't done anything to upgrade my equipment since 1985. I'm not interested in how loud I can go but how sonicly pure I can attain. What amp and pre-amp should I be looking at to power some Sonus Faber Signum speakers, which are bookshelf in size but big in sound? I'm also using a Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. I'd love to go into the tube amps (McIntosh for example), but I am overwhelmed with the choices and different power specifications.
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Showing 2 responses by cellorover

cellorover
417 posts
 
Let's start with the basics. Forget any brands for now. List your listening criteria. How big is your room? What is your budget? How fast or how slow do you want to move?

Putting that aside, I have recommendations based upon power, price and components. You start and I will follow with nothing but tube recommendations.
cellorover
417 posts
 
The speakers are fine and I do not think you need to change them out just now. They will hold their own for some time to come. You will want an amp with a minimum of 50 wpc given the speaker and room size. Your budget gives you lots of options. Rouge as you mentioned. Cary, CJ and Manley. What type of music do you listen to? This will help narrow the field for the amps.
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