2. amps-preamps
  3. 1100662087

should i do tube?

so i have a few grand to spend. you can check out my system, but basically it's an analog front end. im currently using a sim i-5 integrated, but cancelling out the pre section by using a bottlehead foreplay pre, which makes a very nice difference. question is, should i just go to pure tubes. the latest audio advisor catalog has 2 amps which sound very interesting, the antique sound lab aq-1001dt integrated, and the mgsi 15 dt integrated which is set. let me be clear here...things sound very good as is. but im intrigued about using all tubes. and the 1001dt especially interests me cause it's 50 wpc and has a remote, and seemingly very easy bias adjustment, which i really want. so all opinions would be very appreciated here. and if these amps could be bettered in a similiar price range, please chime in.

thanks all...
sberger
tomryan
796 posts
 
To get a sense of how tube products are wildly different, listen to (if you can) a Cary Audio 300B amp and the one from Air Tight. Also, listen to something from Audio Research and then one from Conrad-Johnson. Check out SETs, OTLs, triode P/P, pentode P/P, etc. I once had a P/P amp that was so etched and infused with glare that it had to be sent back to manufacturer for substantial gain reduction and wiring change.
jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 
Tomyran is dead on and in fact describes my journey almost to a tee. I was in a similar situation, using a Bryston B-60 integrated, tried using it as a preamp with a c-j Premiere 11A, got a tubed preamp, went to an Air Tight ATM-1 PP amp, and then got to where I am now Cary 300B monos. It was a process I wouldn't trade for anything I learned something new with each different amp. I would suggest picking up something used that's a good deal, that way you can try it and then just resell it or trade it if it doesn't suit you. I love to trade and each of those amp changes I described was the result of an even swap, so I've really lost nothing for my efforts. Always remember this, the journey is just as important as the destination so don't get frustrated, enjoy yourself.
rogerroger
76 posts
 
You have a very nice system there. It seems to be carefully thought out and well balanced. Also, the sim I-5 is a good integrated, so I would advise you to proceed with caution. However, if you have a few grand to spend, I think you can do better than the ASL models you mentioned--even though I own and like ASL. This is especially true if you are willing to purchase used, either at a dealer or here on Audiogon. I'm not familiar enough with Totem speakers to make any specific recommendations. If I was in your place, I would try talking to Totem dealers and owners and find out what amps they like with them.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Jond's comments are really worth remembering. nice post!
FWIW, I heard a nice Totem/tube combo, with a Jolida integrated. Pretty affordable for the quality I heard. Worth a listen if you get a chance.
I agree that used tube amps will give you a chance to try it for a few months & then try something different at litle cost. I've been through VTL, AirTight,BAT, Cary and now Berning amps. If I hadn't taken those steps, I wouldn't be as happy as I am now. IMHO, most decent tube amps give you more realistic sound than ss competitors at most price points; but that a WHOLE 'NOTHER DEBATE! ;-)
Cheers, Spencer
sberger OP
146 posts
 
thanks everyone for your thoughtful and speedy responses. i suppose i'll wait till i see something that's reasonably affordable and make a decision, but i suspect that after reading your opinions that the fact that i have an integrated which has some tube like qualities, and that im coupling it with a very nice little tube preamp, that a tube amp isn't necessarily going to make that significant amount of change.

Thanks again to those that have responded, and I'd love to hear any other opinions.
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