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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
dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
296 posts
 

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.

vthokie83
1,230 posts
 

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.

lanx0003
2,009 posts
 

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..

macg19
1,443 posts
 

If you get the right speakers, I can 2nd looking at BlackIce and RavenAudio. RavenAudio offers a 45 day trial with a reasonable return policy. 

Both are small American companies where you can actually talk to senior people who care.

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