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Need some Tube and Class A SS Suggestions

I recently purchased a pair of Spendor D7s and am just loving these speakers. I have them paired with a musical fidelity KW 500 integrated. The combo is super fast, tight, and dynamic. However, the Spendors can be a bit too revealing in the high frequencies given a harsh or bright recording. This has me headed down the rabbit hole of tube amplification and possibly Class A SS. If the lowest bass is not as tightly defined I'm ok with. It actually may be too tight and defined at the moment. Added warmth in the upper bass would be fine as well. And if I'm going to upgrade then maybe it's time for separates too!

Here are the power amps I'm considering:
  • Primaluna EVO 400
  • Pass Labs XA25
  • Line Magnetic 805IA
  • Schiit Aegir Monoblocks - the price is just too good.
And on to the preamps:
  • Rogue Audio RP-5 and RP-7
  • PS Audio BHK Preamp
Ideally I would find at least one of the two Pre/Power used. I can probably get about $2200 for the musical fidelity so budget would be about $6k or so assuming I can somehow get both items used.

I'm curious to hear if any thoughts on what I've picked out already and if there are other units worth looking.

Thanks!
shahram
shahram OP
115 posts
 
Yes - I've heard that as well. Problem is finding a dealer around here that carries them...
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,460 posts
 
I use Quicksilver tube gear with my Spendors and Harbeths and the combination is outstanding!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/
shahram OP
115 posts
 
What Spendor speakers do you have? The classic line?
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
How many hours are on your D7's? I have a pair and they take quite a while to run in.  At 150 hrs you will notice the tweeter more relaxed and they keep improving so up to 500 hrs.  Well worth giving them time and the music sounds great along the way.  

I took a similar approach as you with my D7's as they are the most "hifi" sounding component in my system. Class A solid state amp coupled with tube linestage and tube phono stage.  The Pass XA25 will be a great match especially if you pair it with a tube linestage.  I use a XA30.8.  You will get the sweetness and open presentation of the tubes but with some bottom end grip that SS provides. I pair the XA30.8 with a VAC Ren MKV with NOS Mullard 6922's and I get everything that I need in terms detail, tube goodness, grip, texture, natural presentation, and balance evenly across the sonic spectrum.  With the amazing imaging, ability to convey tactile elements of music (they are really fast), and amazing bass down to 29hz, the D7's deliver a lot of value for the money in a fairly small package. I don't have experience with the preamps you're considering but I think you're on the right track assuming your musical priorities are similar to mine.

Enjoy!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,460 posts
 
The A-line stand mounted! I have owned other Spendors with Quicksilver and they always sounded good!
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