2. amps-preamps
  3. 1122582001

Integrated Amp Choice: budget tubes or ss?

Hi,

I just recently started to get into hi-fi but have been an avid music lover/listener/maker for many years. Right now my setup consists of a Rega P2 with Clearaudio cartridge, a cheap mediocre cd player, a Marantz 2100 vintage tuner, and a Marantz 1152DC vintage integrated. My speakers are StudioLab 402's (StudioLap made in France by Mosquito www.mosquito-groupe.com, not the Canadian StudioLAB).

My listening habbits are about 70% vinyl, 30% CD and styles ranging from Wire to Taj Mahal to Steve Reich.

Right now I have the option of keeping my 1152DC, but there are a couple good deals and I'm interested in upgrading/changing/experimenting. I could get a Cambridge Audio Azure 340A, or a Ming-Da MC-34A .. I know that the tube/SS divide is pretty big, but I can't decide which one would give me more bang for the buck in that price range. Both are about the same price.. the Cambridge would be new and the Ming-Da used.

Given my brief explanation of my musical taste and formats does anybody have a recommendation of one or the other?

Thanks,
Matt
emenel
jb0194
476 posts
 
Give Bill Baker of:

www.responseaudio.com

a call. He has a number of nice used Ming Da and possibly Jolida integrateds on his "Specials" link. He is a dealer/modder for both brands and knows them about as well as anyone. I'm partial to the Ming Da brand as I own both preamp and amps, finding them to be a screaming bargain for their prices.

Best wishes on your purchase, whatever it turns out to be.

jb
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
keep the marantz int.....get a new front end.
robm321
932 posts
 
check out Antique Sound Lab - they have good integrated amps at budget prices.
emenel OP
9 posts
 
jay_douglas_287@msn.com said:
"keep the marantz int.....get a new front end."

front end? like speakers? i'm quite happy with my current speakers..
emenel OP
9 posts
 
i've actually been auditioning the ming-da amp.. it sound good, but if all tubes amps are this warm/soft sounding it's probably not for me.. the sound is great for mellow music, but it lacks the puch and assertiveness i want for louder/harsher music. so i'll probably stick with solid state.. i'm going to see if i can audition any of the amps recommended so far and see if there's a big difference from my current amp.
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