If you are new on tube amp get auto bias , and for you speakers Primaluna evo 100 will probably work.
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!
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Keep the Sonus Fabers, a *small* 90+dB speaker that will fit your space won’t come close to them. Consider the Black Ice mentioned above, a venerable company (formerly Jolida) with excellent customer service. Also, the Tubes4HiFi VTA ST-120, based on the classic Dynaco Mark III and updated driver board, excellent transformers! http://www.tubes4hifi.com/amps.htm#ST120 I fell in love with 300Bs and ProAcs 30+ years ago at Audio Depot in Maryland. Still have the ProAcs but gave up on SE as just not conveying enough information with so many wonderful new digital classical recordings. |
licarijo I would consider taking a look at the tubes4hifi amplifiers, as dogearaudio mentioned previously. They are modern updated amps based on Dynako amplifiers.I happen to own (and love) their VTA ST-120 amplifier with about 70WPC with current tubes. The smaller brother (which I believe Atmosphere likes) is the VTA ST-70. It uses great transformers and updated parts, is push-pull design, has a choice of 2 chassis, is hand wired point to point, and with EL-34 tubes produces about 35 wpc.....though high current. Price with tubes is $1,650....though spring for the cap upgrades, absolutely worth it. |
The Evo 150 is a highly respected, well-reviewed Hypex Ncore Class D amplifier, with an amplification efficiency of over 93% even at 4 ohms. If you’re considering expanding your experience into valve amps, that is find but replacing it with a full set of separates deserves careful thought. As an alternative, you could invest in the economical yet highly praised Willsenton R8 to get your feet wet for the tube first.. |
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