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High Pwr Tube Integrated for Inefficient Speakers?

Recently demoed the Cary Sli80 for my Usher Be 718s, and felt that they had enough power at 80 watts per channel and sounded better than the Musical Fidelity A5.5.

MF A5.5 sounded great with all that power, but prefer tube sound.

Would get the Cary, but $2300 is a bit steep. Any recommendations for a powerful tube integrated for $1300-$1700, hybrid or a tube pre and ss amp combo (up to 2K) that would sound almost as good as the Cary?

Looking for sound that is as (almost)good as the Cary Sli-80.

Also considering using a Monarchy NM24 or TADAC with Tube Audio Design TAD125 200W monoblocks. Would this sound as great as the Cary, or close? Will need a DAC (lots of computer listening and don't own a high quality CD player) and would like to save the $700-$1K, if possible.

Usher Be 718's are very inefficient. Spent the weekend at the local dealer comparing ss integrated, tube integrated, hybrid and tube pre with monoblocks.

Prefer a tube sound, need at least 80 watts, 40 watts just was not enough. Prefer 150 watts or more for SS.

Any recommendations for high powered (80 watt or more) tube integrated, hybrid or tube pre with ss amp of 150 watts or more?

Looking for equal or almost as good sound as the Cary Sli-80 or MF A5. I liked the quality of sound of the A5, just prefer a more tube like sound.
indiesound
fpeel
455 posts
 
In recent months several SLI-80's have sold on A'gon at or very near to the upper end of your budget. The ones selling for $2300 are upgraded F1's. The standard Signature models go for less.

So if you really liked the sound of the SLI-80 why compromise by buying something else? Just sit tight, keep saving, and wait for the right deal to come along.

If you can't wait then consider a Plinius integrated. Their reputation is for being smooth and "tube like" for solid state.
indiesound OP
24 posts
 
I heard a 40 watt tube integrated and it didn't sound that great. Lots of reviews and forum posts have also stated the same.

Found another great possibility-- Rogue Tempest with 90 watts, well reviewed and in my price range.

However, when i was at the dealer, i demoed 550 watt monoblocks with a tube pre. The sound was just unbeatable-- and completely professional sounding. It even beat the pants off the Musical Fidelity A5.5 (the cary, too), which has 250 watts of power. I don't know if its just because they are monoblocks, or using a pre and amp instead of an integrated, but the sound was great.

It's a hard decision. All tube sound with the Cary was very nice. But having 550 watts behind it gave a completely new sound.

Anyone have any opinions on using the DAC/tube pre and 200watt monoblocks? Thanks!!! Worried it may have lots of power, but not quite the beautiful "tube" sound of the Cary.

One final thing, i'm currently running my ushers with a Harman Kardon avr 230- about 65 ss watts. It's not bad or anything, but definitely want to add tube sound to it, and upgrade to a better amp to fully utilize the speaker's full potential.

Thanks!!
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
I traded a Musical Fidelity A5 for a Rogue Tempest II and was very happy with the trade. I just wasn't especially fond of the A5; for me, there is nothing (so far!) quite like tubes.

I have the Rogue driving a pair of Dynaudio Contour 3.4s -- a somewhat inefficient speaker -- and it does so very well. The Rogue responds well to tube rolling, so you can tailor its sound quite a bit.

I eventually added a Rogue 99 preamp to the Tempest which was something of a step up too.

I've not heard the Cary, though I bet it too is a great amp.

Good luck.
bjesien
1,283 posts
 
You might think a little more about changing speakers rather than struggling to find a tube amp, if you prefer tubes.
indiesound OP
24 posts
 
well, even an all tube system will have its disadvantages. that's why i'm also thinking about the tube DAC/pre with 200 watt monoblocks.

it will give good bass extension and fast, quick sound, with a lot of tube dissonance.

i'm just concerned that the monarchy nm 24 is not as good sonic wise as the rogue, and the tube audio design monoblocks, can only find one person/review who uses them...
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