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Polk L100s - tube integrated recommendation

 

I have the L100s and very much enjoy them with SS. After 30years of SS I want to try tubes and of my 4 speakers sets I want to try the L100s with tubes.

Ken (Stereophile reviewer) wrote about how well the Cary SLI80HS works with the L100s, however, since this will be my entry into tubes I want to try something a little more affordable (<$3000 new). Can anyone suggest FROM EXPERIENCE a tube integrated that work well? Thanks.

lmartinez_02170
mesch
3,476 posts
 

Audio Advisor sells Vincent Audio which also makes a hybrid integrated. 

Another thought is to purchase a tube preamp to drive your SS amplifier since it seems to please you driving your Polk speakers.

lmartinez_02170 OP
27 posts
 

Soix - good point about the L100s specs and performance. I was thinking the 88ia because when stereophile reviewed the L100s they concluded the Cary SLI80 HS in triode mode (40watts) bested two other amps. However, this is not expertise so I can't elaborate on the tube impact.

I have my eyes on a couple of used Cronus Magnums and will check out the Unison.

Thanks everyone.

soix
9,456 posts
 

The CM and Unico Due are both great amps so I’d suggest reading the reviews and see which meets more with your tastes.  Also, if the ‘pile found the Cary worked well in Triode mode maybe I’m just wrong and maybe the Line Magnetic should still be in play — certainly great amps for the $.  Please let us know whatever you end up doing as I’m sure the results will be enlightening. 

lmartinez_02170 OP
27 posts
 

Soix - not much out there on Unison Due. Is there any experience you might have with this integrated?

pmm
231 posts
 

@lmartinez_02170  

Unison Unico: search the discussions.

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