Polk L100s - tube integrated recommendation


 

I have the L100s and very much enjoy them with SS. After 30years of SS I want to try tubes and of my 4 speakers sets I want to try the L100s with tubes.

Ken (Stereophile reviewer) wrote about how well the Cary SLI80HS works with the L100s, however, since this will be my entry into tubes I want to try something a little more affordable (<$3000 new). Can anyone suggest FROM EXPERIENCE a tube integrated that work well? Thanks.

lmartinez_02170

Showing 6 responses by lmartinez_02170

Yogiboy and secretguy, thanks for the  Cronus Magnum III suggestion! Can either of you comment on whether you have this combo or have some experience with either that leads to the CM III as a good partner. I know a lot of this is personal preference in music playback but some personal experience from others would be a great contribution in my decision. Thanks again. Especially for your time.

Thanks stereo5...consideration noted. Looking through some articles on the CM, I do think it has potential with the Polk L100s. I'm hoping others can weigh in on other experienced based options.

Thanks donvito and soix.

Soix - my L100s and Quad 99pre/909 amps sound very good as mentioned above. I'm happy with them. I'm experimenting with tubes so I can't say I'm looking for an improvement but rather a very good experience of what tubes give in terms of audio playback. Things I enjoy in music played through audio equipment are natural tones, clean but not rigid bass and instruments, free of glare and/or hardness. Enjoyable, fun and not fatiguing.

I would be open to a hybrid tube/ss if it gave me the above. I can tell you I've tried a pure class d amp (from NAD) and it didn't suit my tastes. So tubes + class D may not work for me but who knows...I'm experimenting.

Thanks sryeager. Right now the CM does look like the leading contender. I'm also wondering weather the Line Magnetic 88ia would work but not much on this one on the intranet.

Soix - good point about the L100s specs and performance. I was thinking the 88ia because when stereophile reviewed the L100s they concluded the Cary SLI80 HS in triode mode (40watts) bested two other amps. However, this is not expertise so I can't elaborate on the tube impact.

I have my eyes on a couple of used Cronus Magnums and will check out the Unison.

Thanks everyone.

Soix - not much out there on Unison Due. Is there any experience you might have with this integrated?