Cmalak has a very point. Tubes CAN get expensive in the higher wattages. The choice of interconnects and powercords also come in to play. Don't you just love this hobby...lol ;)
Thiel CS3.7 vs WP8?
The 2nd hand price of Wilson WP8 is dropping down fast! I am thinking of buying a pair of 3.7 but as the WP8's price is almost within reach, I wonder which is the better choice? I have CJ premier 350 and Herron Pre. Now using Thiel 3.6 with very good results. Wanting the next step up!!
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while we are on the subject of cables, I replaced silver speaker cables (HGA x32) with Nirvana SL for my Thiel 3.7 setup and worked out extremely well. So, I am now tempted to replace interconnect between cd source to pre-amp to either Nirvana sx or Cardas golden reference. I will let you all know how that works out if I can get my hands on one of them. |
Luna, The other thing to consider is hybrid-design power amps (tube input/driver stage and SS output stage). Here are some to consider: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1VISPT800 http://www.moscode.com/moscode_amplifiers.htm#top The Vincent STP-800 was a TAS 2008 Product of the year and can be bought at Audio Advisor that has a 30-day return policy as long as you keep the product in "like new" condition and return it in original packaging. The Moscode 402 power amp recently was reviewed by Wes Philips at Stereophile in the Sept 2009 issue (http://stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/moscode_402au_power_amplifier/) and can be bought direct from the manufacturer with a 33 and 1/3 day (i am not joking about that) in-home audition trial period. The other option is to get a tube hybrid integrated amp of which there are many options with 200+ wpc and that allows you to simplify your system (fewer components and cabling). I have no idea what the above units sound like but at least these two options can give you the ability to audition and if they don't meld well with the 3.7 or the WP8 then you can at least return them. Just a thought. |
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