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Input Requested on Possible Amp Change

I would appreciate some input on whether it's a good idea to change amps. I have some Cerious Technologies React 2 speakers, which I really like. They are rated at 88db/1m/1m, 3.2ohms at 122Mhz...FWIW.

After I acquired the React 2's, I then acquired a Cary Audio SLP 98p tube preamp which to me was an audible upgrade from my McCormack RLD SS preamp, although it may be just the gain characteristics. Whatever I like it a lot.

After I acquired the 98, although I was thinking tubes...the 88db and a very good deal pushed me to acquire a pair of Cary Audio monster SS mono amps, CAD 500's. I've never turned them above 4, and that was LOUD! These replaced a McCormack DNA125 which also could get loud.

Because I like the tube preamp so much, I've been thinking tubes again for amplification and I'm trying to stay under $4K. I live in a place where most folks think Best Buy is the bomb so auditions with my speakers are out.

I guess my question is...will 75/80 watts each from some tube mono amps do the job with my React 2's or am I nuts not to stick with the Cary SS amps?

I sit about 3 meters from my speakers, turn it up sometimes for blues rock, and listen to mostly jazz and female vocalists at normal levels the rest of the time. This could move to 5 meters someday but probably not.

I am looking at some used Quad ii-80's (80w RMS each) and some used Atma-sphere MC-60's (75w with autoformers).

PS I tried the amp forum and although I know ohm's law, that stuff still makes my eyes glaze over. Thanks in advance for your time.
silversurfer0116
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
There have been good tube amplifier recommendations offered here. I have to say that if a good condition VAC REN 30/30 or 70/70 become available give these amplifiers considerable thought. 300b tubes in a push pull circuit,stout power supply and excellent output transformers. These amplifiers make music and are special.
Good Luck,
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,212 posts
 
I may have a VAC 70/70 Signature coming up for sale in the next several weeks. It's currently at the VAC factory to replace a binding post and get a tune up. I have not made up my mind yet about selling it, but may go to the dark side (solid state) for a while.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
It seems that you have had a good experience with the Quad ii-80 amp. I always tell people that you should go for what they like no excuses necessary. That said many in this thread have endorsed VAC so you may want to try that one even if you are not pleased with the notion of "rolling" amps. I can't recall when I last heard a VAC amp so I am neutral on that score.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"As I've mentioned my only issue is that the amps in my system produce enough volume with my somewhat less efficient than average, but great sounding speakers; so I can hear all the detail. My ears may be a little worn out but for me, it takes a certain amount of volume to make the music really sing."

You may want to do a little experimenting before you buy anything. The situation that you describe could very well be the case, however, it could be a different component. For example, it could be the amps that need to be pushed harder than average to find the sweet spot for where they sound best. I say, just be sure that quality definitely lies with the speakers, and not some other component.

Another reason that I bring this up, is that Unity Audio speakers never had that problem. You didn't have to push them hard to get them to sound right.
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