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Help with first tube amp

I’m looking for some guidance on purchasing my first tube amp.

My current setup: Speakers: Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2 bookshelf speakers.  (I plan to add a subwoofer soon)

Amp/Source: Cambridge Audio EVO 150 (all-in-one integrated with built-in streamer & DAC)

The EVO 150 made sense originally because I didn’t have room for multiple components, but after some renovations I now have space and flexibility to build out a proper system.

Since this would be my first tube amp, I was hoping to keep costs reasonable and have been considering: •Muzishare X7 (KT88) •Cayin A-88T (KT88) •A used Muzishare R100 (300B) available locally •A used Brunoco Terra 6L6 PP available locally

My questions:

1.    ⁠Will I actually hear a meaningful difference between my EVO 150 and these lower-cost tube amps?
2.    ⁠Are my Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2s at 87 db sensitivity a good match for these lower-power tube amps ?
3.    ⁠Anything I should keep in mind as a first-time tube amp buyer who listens mostly to vinyl and streaming?
4.    ⁠What If I used the EVO 150 as a pre amp with the tube amp as power source only?  Would that still give me that tube sound ?

Thanks in advance — really appreciate any advice from folks with experience!

licarijo
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,417 posts
 

I have owned three sets of Sonus Faber speakers, none have been hard to drive. 

jonwolfpell
529 posts
 

I would consider a better quality one than those like a used one like Cary, Prima Luna, Raven. Will outperform those & likely be more reliable. 

joeycastillo
267 posts
 

OP

I would recommend that you look seriously at the Prima Luna line. its affordable and sounds good. the Chinese brands can sound good but it’s a hit and miss. some say OK but others are displeased. so, to save grief, just go with a prima luna

look at Upscale audio to see what you like. integrated or separates, it all depends on the investment. The only other Tube power amp (actually integrated) that can compete with the primaluna BUT may take some serious thinking is the Line Magnetic LM-845a but that is another level all together. 

 

Lastly, Look at the Rogue Audio Tube power amps or integrated amp.

for me it's a tossup between Prima Luna and Rogue. I suggest that you do a home Evalutation. 

billstevenson
1,174 posts
 

You need to find a dealer that you are comfortable with to help you.  There are a lot of factors involved in picking compatible equipment.  Especially amps and speakers.  How big is your room?  What kind of music do you listen to?  How loud do you listen?  Most people probably only use 1-2 watts of power for most of their listening.  You might be one of those people.  Again a good dealer can help you figure this kind of thing out.  You are going to need to try some amps out to find out what will work best for you.  My advice to you is to stop shopping for an amp and go shopping for a dealer.  Once you find the right dealer everything will get easier.  You might find out that what works best for you is something completely different than what you thought you wanted in the first place.  Also, once you find that dealer stick with him/her forever.  Give that dealer your loyalty.  Doing so will save you time, money and make you a much happier and more successful audiophile. 

akgwhiz
202 posts
 

#4 suggests you can use a preamp.  My experience is that my integrated tube amp gets a majority of the tube sound from the preamp section.  Maybe the OP can invest his budget into a tube preamp and use the existing integrated's power section.  Another option.  

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