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Possible move to tubes… help direct me

A recent speaker change has left me with too much amp. I’m very happy with my Pass x250 amp. The speaker change provides me with a good reason to see if I can downsize my amp and maintain or improve the quality of sound. I would like to consider tubes. I have tried to do my homework by reading through the pertinent discussion boards here (I just e-mailed Roy at GMA for advice) as well as talking to a few members on Agon whom I have built a relationship with. I know this is a dangerous post because of the infinite possibilities, but I'm hoping to find consensus on a few models.

My situation:
1. I don’t want to go backwards from my Pass in terms of sound quality
2. One of my options is to do nothing and keep the Pass
3. Budget $3k or less new or used
4. I need at least 70 watts in 8 ohms tube amplification
5. A good first step in tubes (no experience with biasing or tube rolling)
6. Power amp or integrated is fine
7. Nice accurate bottom end with smooth mids and highs
8. I’d like to stay semi-mainstream on manufacturers because north east Ohio is not a hotbed for 2 channel audio and I’ll have to travel to find dealers.
9. Room is a rectangular living room 14x22x8
10. Music is Keb ‘Mo to Alison Krauss

Thanks.
mijknarf
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
I think a used BAT VK-60 (or VK-60SE if you can find one) will meet most of your requirements:

1. It costs about $1700-$2000 on Audiogon, depending on age.
2. It has 60 watts per channel but it actually sounds much more powerful than 60 watts.
3. It requires no biasing and you can't really roll the output tubes - 6C33 is only from Russia.
4. BAT is a mainstream and well-respected company.

Soundwise, it is quite subjective and I have never heard the Pass so I can’t tell you if it is better, you got to listen for yourself. But at this price, if you don't like it, you can always sell it for minimum lost.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I would suggest looking for one or perhaps two McCormack DNA 0.5 Revision A Gold amplifiers. With this amp, you should get the very best of both tube and solid-state.

Even in their stock form, the 100 wpc DNA 0.5 was a legendary amp just a few years ago as the majority of Stereophile reviewers and others rated the stock DNA 0.5 amp a competive 2nd to the $30k Krell Ref. Standard amp.

But with a Revision A rebuild, these DNA amps become a whole 'nother animal.

-IMO
meisterkleef
146 posts
 
You can *NEVER* have too much amp. Keep the Pass. It's an
awesome piece.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
The bat VK60, SE or vk 75 are all super choices. The 75 goes from 60w to 75 per channel. I'd expect much better midrange warmth, depth, air, images. Your pass might be better on the tightness on the bottom end. Usual things for ss vs tubes.

The BAT tube amps are autobiasing. So it's plug a new tube in and play away.

While you can't roll the output tubes, you can roll the input 6sn7's. Makes a big difference. You can really change the sound of the amp depending on the front 2 6sn7's.
kkursula
95 posts
 
Stehno, that is an unusual suggestion?! Btw, I myself would be hesitant to dump Pass amp for anything less than any Lamm amp.
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