Thanks all around. Very helpful.
A few asked about my budget. I’d likely look for something lightly-moderately used from 800-1200. I’m OK with line level only on the lower end; I’d like to have a phono stage on the upper end of that $ range. I am listening to flac files more often, but phono would still be a priority.
I’d like more wattage but don’t need anything extravagant with the EVs. 50-80W would be fine.
I do like the way the Dynaco pushes the speakers, so having an integrated tube amp seems ideal; but a hybrid--something like a Rogue Sphinx 2--would be also be in contention. I don’t know much about the RS's phono stage.
By biggest fear, really, is not loss of sound quality but a *variance* of sound that would result in disappointment. So yeah, I really need to find a way to audition the options.
I forgot to mention: if I decide to keep what I’ve have, I’ll double down and buy some GL kt 66 or kt77 tubes to replace the Tung Sol el34bs. I’ll enjoy for a few more years and then reconsider consolidation later.
A few asked about my budget. I’d likely look for something lightly-moderately used from 800-1200. I’m OK with line level only on the lower end; I’d like to have a phono stage on the upper end of that $ range. I am listening to flac files more often, but phono would still be a priority.
I’d like more wattage but don’t need anything extravagant with the EVs. 50-80W would be fine.
I do like the way the Dynaco pushes the speakers, so having an integrated tube amp seems ideal; but a hybrid--something like a Rogue Sphinx 2--would be also be in contention. I don’t know much about the RS's phono stage.
By biggest fear, really, is not loss of sound quality but a *variance* of sound that would result in disappointment. So yeah, I really need to find a way to audition the options.
I forgot to mention: if I decide to keep what I’ve have, I’ll double down and buy some GL kt 66 or kt77 tubes to replace the Tung Sol el34bs. I’ll enjoy for a few more years and then reconsider consolidation later.
