I'd consider staying w/ss, esp. if you are concerned about costs of re-tubing. Power tubes are much shorter lived than pre-amp tubes. You could try a Unico Unison integrated that has a tube pre side and an ss power side. New it would be well within your budget. Also might want to consider an SMcAudio modified DNA 0.5 (100 wpc) or 1.0 (185 wpc). The 0.5 is better sounding if its got enough muscle for you. You can probably pick up a Rev B for $1000 or a Rev A. for $1300. Very nice and great people to deal with if you need service or want to go further up the upgrade path. There are varying opinions about going direct to amp; I've never heard the CL-15, but I know that the sound of my CL-10 was quite good (best changer out there, IMO).
Help picking first amp....
Hey everyone I'm new to the world of home audio and would like to put a system together. So far I've assebled a few parts (CAL CL15 cd player, Tyler Acoustic Ref Monitors, Acme Cryo socket, SignalCable shotguns) and am now looking at an amp to run directly from the cd player.
I've made a short list here goes:
Rogue 88 Magnum (1250$)
BAT VK200 (1300$)
Audio Research VT100 mk1(1500$)
CJ 11A (1750$) (a stretch in the $$ area!)
For a variety of reasons I don't think I'll be able to demo all of these units, and probably none in my home environment...so I'm asking for some advice from the good people of audiogon.
Quick questions
1) what are the costs associated with retubing each of these different amps? since I'm buying used this will factor in, I'm assuming some of them will cost much more than others?!
2) have you a/b'ed any in the list against better?
3) would I be better of dividing my alloted money and getting a amp/pre? or just an integrated?
4) any suggestions on my hunt?
Finally, this will be going into a smaller room, probably around 12x14ish with regular ceilings. I listen to a large variety of music jazz, classical, r&b and a good amount of guitar and piano.
I'm looking to get as palpable a sound as possible, I'm not sure if this is called "air?" where you can just about see the musicians...(perhaps this is all to much to ask at this price range and with my associated gear!)
I've made a short list here goes:
Rogue 88 Magnum (1250$)
BAT VK200 (1300$)
Audio Research VT100 mk1(1500$)
CJ 11A (1750$) (a stretch in the $$ area!)
For a variety of reasons I don't think I'll be able to demo all of these units, and probably none in my home environment...so I'm asking for some advice from the good people of audiogon.
Quick questions
1) what are the costs associated with retubing each of these different amps? since I'm buying used this will factor in, I'm assuming some of them will cost much more than others?!
2) have you a/b'ed any in the list against better?
3) would I be better of dividing my alloted money and getting a amp/pre? or just an integrated?
4) any suggestions on my hunt?
Finally, this will be going into a smaller room, probably around 12x14ish with regular ceilings. I listen to a large variety of music jazz, classical, r&b and a good amount of guitar and piano.
I'm looking to get as palpable a sound as possible, I'm not sure if this is called "air?" where you can just about see the musicians...(perhaps this is all to much to ask at this price range and with my associated gear!)
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- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total