2. amps-preamps
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Possible move to tubes… help direct me

A recent speaker change has left me with too much amp. I’m very happy with my Pass x250 amp. The speaker change provides me with a good reason to see if I can downsize my amp and maintain or improve the quality of sound. I would like to consider tubes. I have tried to do my homework by reading through the pertinent discussion boards here (I just e-mailed Roy at GMA for advice) as well as talking to a few members on Agon whom I have built a relationship with. I know this is a dangerous post because of the infinite possibilities, but I'm hoping to find consensus on a few models.

My situation:
1. I don’t want to go backwards from my Pass in terms of sound quality
2. One of my options is to do nothing and keep the Pass
3. Budget $3k or less new or used
4. I need at least 70 watts in 8 ohms tube amplification
5. A good first step in tubes (no experience with biasing or tube rolling)
6. Power amp or integrated is fine
7. Nice accurate bottom end with smooth mids and highs
8. I’d like to stay semi-mainstream on manufacturers because north east Ohio is not a hotbed for 2 channel audio and I’ll have to travel to find dealers.
9. Room is a rectangular living room 14x22x8
10. Music is Keb ‘Mo to Alison Krauss

Thanks.
mijknarf
mijknarf OP
266 posts
 
I like the advice on all suggestions, especially the BAT amps. Unfortunately, my Jolida is only rca out, and my attenuators are naturally rca as well. I'd love to operate the x250 in balanced mode, but it's not in the cards right now. Ideally, I'd like to upgrade the source to one with volume control and balance outs so it would go into my existing amp or one of the BAT amps recommended. No doubt I could get by with some adapters, but that's not the way to operate. From what I've read about the vk60 and vk75, the vk75 is probabaly what I'd want to move to (if I did change). Decisions, decisions.
sbachman
41 posts
 
I 2nd Meistercleef; Keep the Pass and if you really want to add some tube warmth, put it in your path like in the preamp stage. Try something like the Convergent SL1. BTW, what are your new speakers?

Good Listening,

Steve Bachman
mijknarf OP
266 posts
 
I changed to GMA Europas. I had just bought a pair of Totem Forests, I liked them a lot, but prefer monitors in my set up. After all of the reading here about the Europas, I thought I'd go and give them a listen. I called Roy at GMA to inquire about a dealer in my area and he had one that lives 2 miles from my house! (I'm thinking no one else in NE Ohio is into 2 channel). Turns out this dealer is working from his house and into a lot of custom work. He brought the Europas over to my house and we spent 2 hours playing blues to vocals. I was sold, they are impressive. Now I'm asking the question if I have too much amp. Crazy hobby.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Could it be, Kkursula, that my suggestion sounds unusual to you because you've never heard any McCormack DNA Revision A amplifier?

Or if you had, then could you please clarify why you think it unusual?

-IMO
mijknarf OP
266 posts
 
After reading all the responses here, and picking up on similar responses on a post that Bigkidz has going, I'm seeing the "vastness" of options in tube amps. Some other models that people seem to hold in high regard are Musical Ref. RM-200, Quick Silver V4 and Berning ZH-270. Although I know these exceed what my scope is, I want to take my time and make a decent choice. It's obvious that I need to research more, and go and listen to as many as I can. For right now, I'm staying put with my x250 until I feel qualified to take the next step. Thanks to all for your input.
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