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Efficient Match for Shanling Mono TUBES ?

Hello all! I have just entered the world of tubes, and have found it is just another level of insanity. I was lured into this realm with the purchase of a Modified Shanling SCD-T200 (Level One Mod by Parts Connexion) tube SACD player. The sound is wonderful. It lead me to purchase a inexpensive Sophia Electric Integrated Amp, to test the waters. The sound was unbelievable. I have now purchased a set of Shanling SP-80 Mono's to replace the Sophia. I currently have Linn 5140 Floorstanding speakers and am considering an upgrade. Any suggestions on what to consider keeping efficiency in mind (Monoblocs are 50 WPC) I am going to keep the Sophia amp as a second system. I am looking for some smaller bookshelf speakers with good efficiency to pair with this 35 watt amp. Any suggestions?
gerarddunn
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I have Shanling SP-80 monoblocs. I run them with Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods and Ensemble Voiceflux cables. After trying various NOS tubes in the driver stage I have found a few favourites. Right now they are JAN Raytheons.

There is a simple mod for the SP-80 that I am hoping to get to soon. It involves bypassing the built-in volume control. Have you tried, it, by any chance ?
gerarddunn OP
14 posts
 
I have not. I run the cd player directly to the Amps so, I need the volume connected. Anyone else have experience?
mario_giberti
25 posts
 
I am running Chris Johnson Modded Shanling SP80 monoblocks with Meadowlark Blue Heron II and a Music Hall Maverick SACD player, also modded by Chris Johnson. The tubes were upgraded at the time the mods were put in, and I am enjoying the sound.
I have a TAD Signature 150 tube preamp from Bizzy Bee, and feel that this is a set up I can stay with for quite a while. See "system under my user name for details about my set up. Thanks, Mario
washington_highend_audio
41 posts
 
If you like Sophia Electric sound, you should look into Sophia Electric made SET Princess Model one or Model Two speakers designed for tube amplifiers.
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