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Tube amp to drive Tyler Decade D1's?

Anyone out there with experience driving the new Decade line from Tyler acoustics with a tube amp? I am currently using a very sweet DNA-125 and ALD-1 (both with Gold revisions) from McCormack, and they sound as good as anything I have heard from a transistor setup. I was thinking of changing it up with a tube amp or tubed integrated as well, and was curious if others had some success or failures they would like to share with me. The speakers are around 90db/W efficient (they do seem to play loud with the volume pretty low). They are rated at 8ohm, but with multiple drivers, I wouldn't be surprised if they required more current than an 8ohm load should. I have already tried a couple of tube amps on them:

1) Cayin A-88T: surprisingly powerful, not any more full than the DNA-125 though, and a bit of loss of detail and also a bit hazier sounding. A great deal and enough power for this setup if one was on a $1200 (used) budget; doesn't match the McCormack's performance though. A higher-end KT88 type amp may be the ticket (more power wouldn't hurt).

2) Atma-sphere M60 MK2.2: Not enough juice for my speakers. They sounded very rich, but a bit flat, and lacking bass. I know these amps are very highly regarded (the guy who got mine was over the moon with their performance) but OTL amps and the Decade D1 seem not to be a good match.

Unfortunately, tube amps are nearly impossible to take home for a demo from a shop, as they are very hard to find. Even the McIntosh dealer rarely has tube amps anymore.
dawgcatching
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
I've got the Linbrook Signature system and have tried a few different amps, including a Rogue Audio 90 watt tube amp.

The best match I've found so far was using a Pass Labs X150.5. This amp delivers the control and power I need plus some of the tube characteristics that I like.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
What is your budget? I have Ty's D4's and using a Rogue Tempest II with good success. My last speaker was Ty's Linbrook Signatures and I had on loan for about 3 months a BAT VK55 tube amp mated with a VK5i. It didn't have the slam or quite the dynamics of a solid state amp but the bass was full and the mids and highs were wonderful. If you could swing a VK-75 or 75SE or maybe a 55SE it may be worth checking into. I know the D1's would benefit more power than a 55 but I do know the BAT tube amps are fantastic or at least I loved them. Another option which I would not hesitate to try would be Rogue monoblocks (150 or 180) or a Zeus tube amp. I like the Rogue sound and the customer support is fantastic as is BAT.
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
Budget is probably $3k for an integrated or amp (my preamp is pretty darn sweet). I had thought about the BAT, looked like one to possibly try.

Erndog-thanks for the note on the Pass 150.5. The Decade line is somewhat easier to drive, so I might be able to get away with tubes. If I am just chasing my tail, then I will get my McCormack upgraded again, with the higher-current transformer. That will really take control of the speakers.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Try the Rogue's IMO. You can also tube roll which makes it fun. They are not a ton of money and they always resell rather quickly. Plus I know and Ty knows Rogue sounds great with his speakers.
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations. I will see if I can get a M150 set to try. The Zeus looks like a bit of a project to transport....plus, I don't know if my wife would be happy with our electric bill doubling!
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