tube amp for Apogee Tweeter mid-range


I recently upgraded the capacitors in the crossover of my Apogee Stage speakers. This was a good and bad thing at the same time. While it opened up the upper frequencies and let the subtle details shine through, it also exposed that "solid state" sound in my amplifiers. I'm using a Pass Labs x-150 to drive the Apogee bass panel and an old modified Sim Audio W3 amp to drive the tweeter midrange ribbon. While the Pass Labs may be a better amp, it was a horrible match when I had it driving the tweeter midrange ribbon. The sound was like turning the treble up to +11 on an old Radio Shack receiver!
Does anyone know of a musical Tube amp under 2K used, that would produce detailed and smooth (not dull) music to drive my Apogee Tweeter midrange ribbon. I'm currently using a Naim 202 preamp, Raysonic 128 CD player, Linn Sondeck with Koetsu Rosewood and Ayre phone pre-amp.
scott_kindt

Showing 1 response by satch

Ouch... I really like the sound of my (Nelson Pass designed) Threshold poweramp with my Apogees (Centaur Major). I'd suggest you take another approach and change the preamp for a tube amp. To my ears, Naim gear always sounds a tad bright.

Then again, it's all a matter of taste. For two K there are many poweramps available, especially secondhand. You can also 'tune' them a little bit by changing the tubes. Only problem of the Stages is the lowish impedance - not as bad as the Scintilla's, but 3 Ohm and a low sensitivity means a new poweramp has to be able to deliver some power. Make sure you test your new amp at home before buying.