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Tube newbie - recommendations?

I've finally got my primary system (all SS) at equilibrium and would like to set up a second system for casual listening and explore the world of tubes.

I already have a pair of B&W DM601S3 speakers I would like to build around. Music will be broadway, jazz and some classical, possibly satellite radio in the future. Looking for a fun, lively and colorful sound.

Listening room will be open kitchen / dining area (~20x20, low ceilings). Volume levels will not be high but should be enough to drive the B&Ws comfortably.

Some extra components laying around that I can pick and choose from:

NAD 5000 CD player
Carver CT3 Pre-amp / Tuner
Carver TFM15cb amp

I only need one, maybe two inputs, no phono. Already have some Kimber PBJs and biwire spkr cable laying around. Would you use the CD and Carver Pre and get a tube amp or perhaps a tube integrated or hybrid like a Jolida? How little money (<$500, used ok) can I put in to this system and get a nice intro to tube sound? Any recommendations would be much appreciated...
devsung
aroc
760 posts
 
The $1k tube amp territory gives you some nice choices where the build quality and sound quality really starts to vastly improve over the cheaper stuff. So it's worth the stretch budget-wise, if you can swing it.

The problem comes from you trying something like a Jolida - not like it - then completely writing off tube amplifiers. That would not be a fair comclusion. but since this is for a second system for casual listening, your expectations and needs are probably lower. If this was to be your mail system this would not be true. so the jolida will probably work for you.
trianglezerius's avatar
trianglezerius
119 posts
 
TRy a Cayin. Jolidas are slow. But get an integrated you will be happing then using the Carver.
drjjpdc
78 posts
 
I agree Triangle, the 35 watt Cayin integrated is a hell of a piece. But allow me another name in this discussion, Quicksilver. As a B&W owner, and a new Quickie owner, let me add that they straddle the SET and push-pull sound. They have none of the overipe sound I sometimes hear in SET's and the ballsy sound of push pull. The V4's will be my last amp (probably more than you wish to spend but the whole Quickie sound is found in less pricey models).
kt_88
242 posts
 
I agree with Drjjpdc. There is just something about the Quicksilver sound that is different from any other push-pull amp I have ever heard. Quicksilver amps also alllow you to roll many different tubes in them, which many of the big name amps don't allow. Lately there has been a ton of used Quicksilver on agon. So now they migh become scarce for awhile. I myself have owned and or listened to most of the Quicksilver line and have heard most of the big name tube amps as well. But there is just something special about the Quicksilver sound.

Oh, if you venture into tubes you might find that your SS system turns into that kitchen dining area system :) The tubes will blow you away!!!

88
drjjpdc
78 posts
 
Thanks KT88. One other thing about Quicksilver, they are also the tube amps with former solid state amps folks in mind (not in sound but ease of use). Just the biasing of tubes alone by pushbutton without bending over or unscrewing any amplifier parts is a huge plus.
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