To "tube" or not to "tube"

thank you for your comments, nsgarch.

at the moment i am using a pair of vtl deluxe 120s to drive the 1.6s. it is not possible to biamp. for a difference of 30 watts, and based upon your comments, i'd say a single 275 might be worth a shot rather than the 2102. if i want more power, i can always add another 275.

i have heard magnepans driven with solid state amps--levenson, audio research and nelson pass and have been very displeased with the treble response. i am always willing to sacrifice dynamics and bass articulation to get a more pleasant sound in the upper mids/lower treble.

Tennis, the 275 (especially the new IV or V) is an unusual and outstanding tube amp. One, in stereo, will drive a Maggie 1.6 full range quite nicely as long as you are not going to ask it to do rock, opera, or orchestral at high volume. When you want that, you'll have to add another one and change them to monoblocks, however that is still a very cost-effective path to what you're after.

A purchase tip: The Mark IV is being phased out and the Mark V phased in. There is no difference in circuit or sonics. The two differences (if they're important enough to you to buy a new V vs. a used IV) are:

1. The V is lead free so it will comply with the new European import laws.
2. The V has regular five-way speaker cable binding posts, whereas the IV has the old fashioned barrier strips and screws. So if you have spkr. cables with big spades, it takes some tricks to attach them in a workmanlike manner ;--)
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Joeb, good move, treat yourself man, audio is the most loyal lover!

thanks again, nsgarch. i found a dealer in wisconsin and got a good deal on a 275. i may buy a c220 as well.
i am also considering an audionote m2 and a navison mk 3. hopefully one of them will be warm enough.

Tennis, did you get a IV or a V? If a IV, I can send you some pics showing a slick way to hook up fat speaker cables. Either way, I know you'll love the amp. It's actually quieter and more detailed than many top notch SS amps -- which I don't expect you to believe until you hear it (with Telefunken 12AX7's ;--)

Neil
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