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Are mono tube amps my best choice?

I own a Denon 5910 multi disc player as my only source, which I’ve been running into a Burson buffer gain device, and then through two separate passive volume controls. From there I’ve been feeding my four B&K M200 mono amps to my Silverline Grandeur ll speakers. This setup actually sounds pretty nice.

Because my M200s are now over twenty years old, I’m thinking about switching to mono tube amps. I’ve never had tubes in anything I’ve owned. Because my wife and I watch movies (and listen to music), I don’t have space in the middle of the room for a single amp (only 4 inches of height). My stands, passive preamp, and wiring are geared for mono amps.

I live near Sacramento, California, and emailed Min at tubeaudiolab with my room specs and setup to see what he thought would work best. He recommended a pair of mono amps with Kt 88 tubes that produce approximately 60 watts per channel. From the reviews I’ve seen, it appears Min makes some pretty good equipment.

I’m hoping for some Audiogon wisdom to show me the way. Am I making the right choice switching to tube amps? I don’t want to spend more than $2000.
kevine
rodman99999
6,108 posts
 
Kevine- I'm using a pair of modded Cary SLM-100s on top, and a modded TransNova 9505 on the bottom. A modded TacT RCS 2.2X does the crossover and room correction duties. By, "correctly" I mean balancing the levels of the top and bottom, as the power capabilities of your amps would be so different. An active crossover(such as a Dahlquist DQ-LP1 or a Tact) is the best way to success in bi-amping. BUT- You CAN experiment with passive bi-amping via your attenuators. You wouldn't need one on the top(tube amps), but just to bring the level of the SS amps down to match that of the mains(providing the Burson unit has a level control). You want to try tubed monoblocks anyway. While you have everything with which to experiment(when you get the tubed amps); why not give it a try? Bet you like it! =8^)
kevine OP
38 posts
 
Rodman99999,

Thanks for getting back to me. This sounds intriguing. I'll do more research on this. I'm still waiting for Alan at Silverline to email me back.
kevine OP
38 posts
 
Paulfolbrecht,

I'll email Alan and ask him specifically about the SET.

I believe you did a favorable review of Min's amps. Did you sell them? If so, I was wondering why.
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
Min's WE91 300B monos were probably the best 300B amps I've heard (though the 300B was never my favorite DHT and I haven't had a lot of them) but I still prefer the 45.
kevine OP
38 posts
 
I purchased some Cary SLM 100 mono amps locally from a very helpful Audiogoner--he answered my questions (and continues to answer) regarding tube amp set-up and maintenance). Bottom line, my Silverline Speakers love these amps. My wife and I can't believe how much more we hear compared to the B&Ks...They have all of the bass of the B&Ks...The instruments are well defined and have life...and those female vocals are something else. I know, you’ve probably heard this before, but there really is no comparison.

I have some tubes on order per the recommendations of Rodman99999 and Tvad. Rodman99999 also helped me in my Cary SLM 100 decision (thank you, thank you, thank you)—being an owner of the Cary 100s, he says that different tubes will take the Cary's to another level.

I do woodworking as a hobby (and for money on the side), and built some 7" high curly grained cherry stands (with two inch thick maple tops) specifically for these amps. With the chromed tube amps and the high gloss amp stands (with wood grain that looks like orange flames shooting upward), my wife loves the way they look in our living room (very important). Thanks to all of you that posted comments for your input. I believe I'm going to be keeping these for a long, long time.
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