2. amps-preamps
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Hear me out ;-) Moving from Integrated Tube Amp to a Class D

First off, I'd like to thank the community here for their advice. I'm always amazed at the sincere help strangers are willing to lend. You all steered me right in the past and I'm hoping you'll be gracious enough to continue it. 

I've got a Rogue Cronus Magnum II, Bluesound Node 2i, KEF LS50s, and 2x SVS SB-1000s (and a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon). I live in an 800 sq ft apartment - so I can hear the system anywhere in the place (pretty sure the whole building can...). Recently I purchased a Sonos Gen 2 Beam so that I didn't have to start up the tube amp every time I wanted to watch normal TV, but really, so I could fall asleep to music without worrying about burning out the tubes. 

And then I realized, I've got thousands of dollars worth of gear, just sitting there while a half-decent soundbar is getting more use. So - I'm thinking it's time to sell the Sonos and just put in a Class D integrated amp and enjoy the full rig anytime without having to turn it off. I'd still like to listen to vinyl on the weekends, so I'll likely keep the Rogue so I can keep it 100% analog for those sessions .

With all that background, my questions are:

1) Is Class D the right approach so I can leave it always on? Is there something else I should consider?

2) If Class D, what would you suggest? I've heard very good things about Peachtree, but I'm 100% open to any suggestions. If another Class, why/what's your suggestion?  

3) Is there a good device/way to switch between the class D and the Rogue Tube (without unplugging and replugging everything in)? 

Again, thank you in advance for any help (and for even reading this far!)

jdtalv
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,497 posts
 

I know exactly what you are saying. The Rogue Sphinx will solve your issues. The preamp tubes will last a long long time but keep a spare set so you have no down time. You get the best mix of tubes and class D in one unit. If you really want to dump the tubes get a Musical Fidelity integrated and you can burn that all day long. After that, upgrade to some better loudspeakers. The Whafedale Lintons are a big step up from the LS-50s. By the way I own all the gear I have mentioned. 

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

Beat me to the punch, the Rogue Sphinx is the answer. Those small preamp tubes typically last thousands of hours. You will retain the tubey sound plus get the power of the class D without the heat. It’s a very well designed Amp, despite what Amir says...😝

 

I don't even need one, but I'm buying one, cause I think it's neat...

erik_squires
16,039 posts
 

NAD doesn't get enough attention but they should.   Maybe cause their original Master's DAC sucked, not sure, but the NAD 3020 D is outstanding little performer, and they now have a number of others as well.

They use a unique hybrid Class D in collaboration with Hypex.  It's closer to a Class H amp.  Runs a little warmer than a true Class D, but sounds very good.

reubent
6,956 posts
 

Of course, you can do what you want. For me, I've owned tube amps, tube integrated amps, tube pre-amps, solid state pre-amps, solid state amps, Class-D amps, tube amps, etc, and I've settled on a Rega Elicit-R integrated amp, and I leave it turned on all the time. I'm completely satisfied with it as it does everything I need. It's a great center for a full system, being a relatively high-powered integrated amp, with a built-in MM phono section. At about $1500 used, it's a great choice to anchor a complete system.

mrteeves
36 posts
 

You want to play music even after you’ve fallen asleep and thus leave it on all night while running subs in an apartment? Wow…if you were my neighbor…let’s just say it’s good we’re not :). Might I suggest headphones for the sake of those around you. Otherwise, the sphinx is a good solution.

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