used
or a Rogue - some of their items are modestly priced (have not heard); others are $4k (very nice sounding)
or a Rogue - some of their items are modestly priced (have not heard); others are $4k (very nice sounding)
Looking to get into tubes on the cheap
My current set-up is Tekton Design Electrons with an Hsu VT-15H subwoofer and a Denon AVR-2200w receiver. I am interested in entering the tube world. I have always run SS/receiver to listen to music so I am a total rookie with tubes. Here is what I would like to have. I use my system for 2.0 and 2.1 music, HT 5.1 going to 5.1.4, and basic TV viewing. I would like to keep my receiver in the chain and add tubes and somehow have some kind of switching. Would like to be able to listen to 2.1 and then push something on my Harmony remote to switch between music and HT set-up without having to touch wires. Read many different thread as well as this one. I am not wanting to spend thousands to achieve this but I also want it to sound better than my current SS sound on a 2.1 set-up. Seen the various posts and opinions on tubed preamp vs amp and still after reading all that don't know which one is more beneficial. Looked at Aric's Ultimate but that is more than I am wanting to spend. Looked at Monoprices 50wpc hybrid tubed preamp and ss amp combo. Not sure I want my tubed stuff to come from the place I get me cables but it seems to get good reviews from people who have purchased and it is $170. Also looked at Gemtune X-1 integrated tube amp and Nobsound MS-10D hybrid tube amp. Can I get some guidance on this? Ultimately I am just wanting to improve my 2.1 listening experience.
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I would like to keep my receiver in the chain and add tubes and somehow have some kind of switching. Would like to be able to listen to 2.1 and then push something on my Harmony remote to switch between music and HT set-up without having to touch wires.Niles audio SAS-1 is what you need! Make sure to add two150ohm 10W resistors across the speaker post on tube amp side. SET tube amplifier is addictive: https://www.amazon.com/MS-650B-Single-Integrated-Amplifier-Control/dp/B011BNO5UK |
You're going to have to swap out your receiver for the system to work how you're intending, and since those with multi-channel pre-outs tend to be better than the models without, you might improve your 2-channel listening a decent amount with that move alone. Each company tends to have a "house sound" so since you aren't happy with the sound of your Denon, it's possible you'd prefer another brand. Try looking for a place to buy that will let you audition a few or at least has a decent return policy if possible. I could be wrong, but I also think you're limited to 5.2.2 atmos setups with that particular receiver so if you're planning 5.1.4, thats another reason to upgrade the receiver first...unfortunately a receiver upgrade is going to cost you more than the tube amps you mentioned, but its really the only way to get everything you're wanting. Goodluck. |
- 38 posts total