integrated Tube C-J CAV50 for Proac 2.5

That depends on your taste. I have personally wanted badly to switch from tubes to solid state, and I've tried numerous times, but always find something missing when I do. Others seem make the switch comfortably, or not, depending on taste.

This is not an easy decision, totally subjective, but I do think the Proac is a noticable step up from the particular Spendors that you mention. And I think the CAV-50 power and sound character rather limits your choice of speakers. For example, you could probably power many of the Silverline speakers comfortably with the CAV-50, but I'm not sure the sound qualities would complement each other (they might).

I have always found ARC gear to be a little bit too lean for my tastes, but I've not heard the latest generation.

The Proac 2.5 definitely benefits from power. 100 wpc might be plenty for a small room but marginal for a larger room. The high water mark for sound quality in my home was when I had the Conrad Johnson Premier 12's (140 wpc, tube watts) and was switching back and forth between the Proac 2.5's and the Spendor FL-9's.

Sigh. In solid state, a good value is the Plinius 8200 version II. That would be worth trying out with the Proac 2.5, as would the ARC I suppose. The Plinius needs a heavier nonstock power cord and also 24 hours to run in.

Art

Art. thanks. it seems that we have same taste. I really
want to have spendor and proAC sound at my home.. but can not affford two sets of amplifier. I like the sound of C-J
, it made me move from SS to tube no doubt. I may try
8200 MkII. But I am wondering if i can go with C-J premier 11a (~$1600) plus a ARC pre-tube amplifer.... Do you have any suggestion on pre-amp for 11a?? (less than $800 used)

Derek

FWIW I've had both Plinius's 8200MKII and now the 9200. The 9200 is a better sounding amp, quite a bit. Yes you do need a better AC cord, I've been pretty happy with a Shunyata Taipan. Also I'd suggest if you can listen to the new Proac D25 it's a better and different animal from the 2.5 new tweeter , woofer and crossover. It still sounds like a Proac but faster and less romantic than the 2.5 but still musical in the Proac way. And yes Proac's love tubes but big ones with grunt. Some of the best sound I ever had was Proac Response 2's with ARC Classic 120 mono's Shame they kept blowing up...

Thanks Erikminer. But ProAC 2.5 is fair enough for me at this time. Now I am only on the way to seeking enough funding to get power to feed it. Now both 8200MKII and
9200 ae avilable and there are about $600 difference.
I am not sure if it is worth to get 9200. and I heard that
8200 is warmer than 9200...that what i like....but don't know if the power is enought to get the best of proAC2.5

Derick

The 8200 is warmer but not in a good way, slightly veiled compared to the 9200. The 9200 is still somewhat lush, but more controled than the 8200.. I've had both and I'd spend the extra $600 for the 9200 it really is that much better and will be an awesome match for the 2.5 pleanty of power and control for the 2.5 with a very natural and open, grain and glare free sound.