2. amps-preamps
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Think I'm going to try tubes...

I just hafta know what all the fuss is about, however there are no tube shops near me and I won't be able to preview any of them so I need your advice!! I have the dynaudio contour 1.8 speakers which aren't very sensitive (86db)but are impedence matched to 4ohms so it shouldn't put too much stress on the tubes. I was thinking a KT88 pentode since they seem to offer the highest output for the price and I've narrowed it down to three choices- Prima Luna II, Jolida 502b and the ASL AQ1001DT. Which one do you think will be the best mate with my Dyns and why? I'm realistic and willing to give up some of the speed and impact of my solid state gear for that tubieness, however it must be able to play some rock without sounding like molasses.
durbin
robm321
932 posts
 
I've heard both Jolida 502B and ASL AQ1001DT. They are both great, but I liked the ASL better because it has the tube qualities, but also the good parts of solid state. You can put it in triode mode (less power) if you really want to see why people love tubes, but you'll most likely give up some bass.

Good luck on trying tubes.
judy426
228 posts
 
I wouldn't use any of those amps with the 1.8 given the low impedance and low efficiency. IMO, I think you'll be disappointed with all of them especially in their inability to control the bottom end. My $.02; others may think differently.
honest1
586 posts
 
You might also consider the JJ828. They can be had here for not too much $$$ (relatively speaking), and are very fast and dynamic. They run a quad of KT88s per side, and have a volume control, 5 inputs, and a remote control, so you don't need a pre. They are cool looking and available in a number of color combinations (my favorite is the black wood finish with silver metal). The only down side is that they might not sound tubey enough.
rhocken
18 posts
 
I don't think one has to give up on any "speed or impact" with tubes. Here are two suggestions. Manley 100wpc monoblocks. Or for less money the Cary Rocket 88R. You will of course need a suitable preamp as well.
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