Newbie Can't Decide Which Tube Amp


Just had a Bottlehead tech build me a BeePre preamp and an MM phono. My speakers are Sonus Faber Concertos Homage (rated at 87dB sensitivity) and my budget is $4K- give or take. I am not much of a bass person. Mostly classical, appreciate the Blues, Latin, and occasional classic rock. The tech is adamant that I look for a used EAR 534.

I appreciate your feedback in advance.
ckenr

Showing 2 responses by ckenr

My sincere thanks to everyone who has taken your time to respond. Amazing kindness!
To clarify, the speakers are 6ohms impedance (per the rear,) 88dB (from a website,) and power handling of 30-200 watts (same website.) They are currently driven by a 1990's Bob Carver, SS, 60wpc, integrated amplifier (CM-1065) with no issues. Interestingly, it seems, the preamp and the amp components are connected from the outside rear, enabling one to disconnect them and connect an external preamp to the amp component. I haven't tried this since I don't have any interconnects yet and I am looking for a total tube experience.

I would consider an integrated amp if I'll have the option to connect my preamp and I would consider monoblocks if they are designed depth-wise and not width-wise due to cramped quarters.

Any input with regards to Bob Carver's Crimson 275? I can pick one up for around $2k.
Regards,
Ken

This is my first time on a conversation forum. How can I respond to a specific post without bothering others else with unrelated conversations?
Once I corrected the specs in the original posting, I've been receiving some really good tips and that's how my confusion started: Once I realized that EAR's are hard to find, I started reading about these recommended brands, they all have rave reviews!

And now look at the latest posting, a single-ended amp with 8-12 watts for a 30-200 watts rated pair of speakers?
I am a retired grocer. I can pick a good cantaloupe out of the bin about %90 of the time at a rate of one cantaloupe every 10 seconds. How can an 8-12 watts amp drive a min. 30 watts rated speaker? Aren't all watts the same? Please excuse my level of sophistication!