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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
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...
cagliostro
17 posts
 
I auditioned the Musical Fidelity A5.5 . All I can say is that it's one of the best amplifiers out there at any price and an almost unbeatable value. I don't care about "musicality" or such nonsense, I don't have a "Golden Ear" but when you hear something good, you just know it.

Auditioned with a Helicon 800 MK2, find it hard to believe that any of these components mentioned above can come even close to this combo. Just my 2 cents.
saki70
907 posts
 
Ya , what Bjesien said . A much cheaper and more rewarding route .

Good luck .
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