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To Cat sl1 owners: which tube amp?

I've a Cat sl1 signature mkii and totem forest speakers. I tried a lot of tube monos but i'm really in trouble to find a right match. The last i bought are two vtl mb 125: the sound is too bright for me...too detailed. I lissen to jazz and classical. I ask suggestion for a good tube monos or stereo to drive my totems (tube only please!). Budget 3000-5000 € (i'm in Italy...), stuff i'm considering: arc (vt 220, classic 120), manley (snapper, 100/240), jadis (i auditioned ja 50 and liked them...only few bass..), mcintosh (275, 2102?)...
Thank you for your answer
Enrico
enricomc75
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
It looks like you should try BAT VK 120 monos.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Although the Forrest will play with tube amps, they are really designed and excel with ss power amps. If you are set on keeping the Totem and playing them with a tube amp, look for a high power pp tube amp in the 200w range like Audio Research, Bat, VTL etc.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,871 posts
 
If your Forest's can be driven with 65 watt/ch, I would suggest an amp that I use and love....the ARC D70Mk2. Superb synergy with my CAT and it is one of the very best amps for jazz or classical that I have heard. The mids and highs are still IMHO SOTA!
Here's the icing on the cake...they can still be had for a song!( although a'philes are now beginning to snap them up). Easily in your budget.
enricomc75 OP
1 posts
 
Thank you for your answers.
Any opinion on Audio research VM 220 monos? I could have an audition on them next saturday...they are a bit expensive ( 6000 euros used!). I'm afraid about Cat sl1 big gain and I don't like too brightness in the highs...the problem that I exeperienced with a lot of amp I tried in these period (wasting a lot of money also)
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