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First foray into tube amps

I just read the thread on McIntosh and it has prompted me to start this thread.  I would like to try a tube power amp, but I have no experience with tubes.  For now, at least, I am pretty well settled on the rest of my system: Stirling LS3/6 speakers with dual SVS 3000 micro subs, Node 130 streamer with PD Creative/LHY power and English Eight switch, Bacch4Mac crosstalk elimination and DSP, RME Fireface dac/interconnect.  I’ll be replacing a Peachtree Gan1.  The room is 23x16x8 and is well treated.  I listen at low to moderate volumes, lots of vocals, blues, Argentine Tango, some classic rock.  I love that BBC mid-range magic, and think I want a little more warmth than I have now - but without giving up any precision or detail.  I find very analytical high end reproduction to be unpleasant, though.  On the low end, I dislike mushiness.  I really like bass details without slam - think of Holly Cole’s Train Song listening to those bass transients tail off.

So, I think that some tube amps might fit the bill and are within budget (say $5,000).  Here is my provisional short list: McIntosh MC275 MK6, Conrad Johnson MV60SE, Quicksilver Mid-Monos or 88 Monos, PrimaLuna Evo 300 or 400.  There are many others, and I’d welcome suggestions. I can’t tell if these or some other amp would likely have better synergy with my speakers/room/music preferences.  I realize that I may need to try several amps to find which one sounds best to me - but where to start?  Many thanks.

treepmeyer
elliottbnewcombjr
7,722 posts
 

OP

I am certainly not trying to discredit those speakers,

my concerns, thus advice has been ’enough power reserves’, and now, having read the review, and considering your room size, ’too small for the large space’.

I’ve never heard them, in any size space, driven by any amp, I only offer my opinion and general guidance based on my experiences and chosen preferences, which, for main system, decent size space is large 3 way, horns, big woofer, efficient. Mine are actually 4 way, and 16 ohms, thus very efficient.

btw, my main room is similar: 24 x 14 x 8h, see my Virtual System here

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9511

elliottbnewcombjr
7,722 posts
 

@faustuss 

Yes, bottom up, or top down, it’s the same.

it’s hard to word things so everyone understands them,

I would add, ’effectively doubling it’s power’’, 

however, ’compared to what’ needs to be stated.

////////////////////////////////

having some headroom is great, UNTIL it’s not enough headroom, 

 

laaudionut
320 posts
 

Call Aric at Aric Audio. His tube knowledge and customer service are without equal...not to mention that his gear is fantastic on every level.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,722 posts
 

@kevemaher 

"However, my preamp and phono preamps are fully tubed. They are the ones that determine the quality of the sound in my system. They beat SS phono and line level equipment hands down."

I agree with that.

I also prefer the sound of tube amps, and only consider efficient speakers to reduce the size/cost/weight/heat/maintenance that tubes involve (more than SS).

I try to never even listen to inefficient speakers, never, so I'm not tempted by some marvelous sounding gem.

btw, one advantage of Monoblocks is to split the weight somewhat, and disperse the heat some.

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

Treepmeyer

++++1 For Aric Audio amplifiers. I own an Aric Audio Transcend "Push Pull" amplifier and am running El34 tubes in it currently.....though the amp can be fitted with various other tubes for sound and power preferences. I also own Aric's Motherlode XL preamplifier as well; and both are ridiculously good, made with only the highest quality components.

Aric Kimball (owner) is a great guy to talk to, and I'd highly recommend you give him a call to discuss his recommendations. He's busy, but often answers the phone.....or try email which he is rather prompt in replying to. But since you're new to tubes, I'd give him a call

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