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Recommend a good tube power amp in the 100 wpc range for under $4k

Folks, 

 I am looking to bi-amp my Fyne F702 speakers, with a solid state amp for the low end and a tube amp for the mods and highs.  The Fynes are floor standing 2.5 way units with 93 db sensitivity and 100 wpc rms power handling capacity.  My preamp is a Rogue Audio RP-7, and my current solid state power amp is a Benchmark AHB2 at 100 wpc.  My goal is not so much more power but to put a tube amp on the middle and highs.  The Fynes have two sets of binding posts, one for lower frequencies and one for mids and highs.  I am looking to go active bi-amping with a Sublime Acoustic K231 Stereo 3-Way Active Crossover.

  In addition to an amplifier recommendation, what else do I need to consider?  For example, if I buy an amplifier with wattage output similar to the AHB2, what other factors do I need to consider?  Because I do NOT want to modify the speakers in any way, do I need to consider a gain control to match level differences resulting from other factors, such as impedance differences? Or, can I just hook up the crossover between the preamp and the two power amps and enjoy the music, which is what it is really all about anyhow?

 

Many thanks for any and all comments.

mike4597
thehorn
111 posts
 

Hey Mike4597,

Mix a tube amp with a SS unit for bi-amping & you’re GOING TO HAVE PHASING ISSUES.

OK, before you throw out the baby with the bath water, all you MIGHT need is a few tweaks.

To sweeten up that mid-range, swap out the 12AU7’s in your pre-amp, swap out the stock tubes for · NOS RCA Clear tops.

Interconnects, try the entry level XLO’s, $275/pr (consider used). They’re not forward, but I find the mid-range timbre more transparent.

Bi-wire your speakers. Try Kimber’s entry level wire.

If yea just have to have a new Amp, consider Antique Sound Labs Monsoon (http://www.uptownaudio.com/as/as.htm), or better yet the Canadian company, Coincident Technology (https://coincidentspeaker.com/). Their 211 PUSH PULL DRAGON amp is to kill for. (Consider used).

 

mike4597 OP
50 posts
 

Anybody here had any experience with the Cary CAD-120S II?  I know their preamps get very good reviews, but there is very little on the web regarding this power amplifier.

keithr
1,304 posts
 

The best tube amp I’ve had on my Fynes is LTA - and they are under your budget used. I’ve tried a dozen or so amps thus far on F1-12s. 

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,184 posts
 

@mike4597 I'm considering listing my Music Reference RM9 MK II with newer Siemens (RFT) EL34's, refurbished for me by Roger Modjeski in 2017.  Let me know if interested.  It's a classic amp that runs under the radar.  Also allows tube rolling of many varieties of power tubes... KT66, KT77, EL34, KT88 and 6550.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-reference-rm-9-power-amplifier-rm-9-mkii

 

 

avanti1960
1,402 posts
 

I recommend the Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum latest version. .Basically the power amp section of the famous Rogue Cronus Magnum III,  sounds so transparent and refined with excellent open midrange that sounds better that the up range Stereo 100 IMHO.  The 100 can be too burnished and dark.    

Save some cash too, a great match with your preamp and speakers.  

There is good reason why the Cronus Magnum is a giant killing integrated amp- he sound ! 

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