2. amps-preamps
  3. 1287896525

Best Balanced Tube Amp To Pair With Meridian G02?

As the Subject title says, I am trying to decide what my best options are insofar as my best options for power amps to pair with the Meridian G02 preamp. I was just able to get one in mint condition, with warranty, at a steal of a price.

I want to pair this with a tubed power amp that has great soundstage, that classic midrange magic, and a rich, but not slow, or rolled off sonic character. Ideally, I would also want a balanced tube amplifier, as the Meridian is maximized for balanced performance, although it will handle single ended.

What would you recommend? My max budget for the power amp is about $3000.00, used, to maximize my buying power. Of course, less is always fine too.

Thanks for any expertise, recommendations or assistance.

Specifications for the G08 are included in the link:

http://www.meridian-audio.com/data/G02_ds_scr.pdf (Open in New Window)
nightfall
nightfall OP
188 posts
 
Rrog,

Combined pre and amplifier costs were in the $6-7k range of the two systems I heard. Also, several people reported wonderful results with good solid state preamps and Cary power amps.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I usually don't mix, but it sounds like something I might want to try. That's what this hobby is all about, right? It is probably easier to find a neutral sounding solid state preamp than tube type preamp.
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Nightfall, what speakers are you using? That will help dictate good choices for a tube amp more than the preamp that you plan to mate it with.

I do agree, however, with your SS pre and tube amp combination desire. I can say from personal experience that it works great, and I think that a tube in the amp spot imparts more "tube magic" than in the preamp spot.

Michae
nightfall OP
188 posts
 
Michae,

My speakers are the Silverline 17.5. This is a nearfield system in a small room.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,803 posts
 
Just FWIW... It is an easy task to add a true balanced connection to nearly any amplifier. Now before y'all go off on me, keep in mind that I am associated with balanced amps and preamps, and that I have good reason for saying what I did.

I am **not** talking about a simple XLR connector, that is only hooked up to the RCA input, nor am I talking about an input transformer. The mod is simple and inexpensive, so if you want, your range of tube power amps suddenly got a lot larger if you are willing to have the mod installed. It will not affect the sound of the amp otherwise.
More to discover