Have ~$10-12k...what would you do?
My impression is that the Pure Sound M845 is a very good quality SET amplifier. I do agree with Keithr that certain speakers are likely better served being driven by a solid state or push pull tube amplifier. The Jadis I 50 is a very good recommendation for the type of speaker under consideration. Charles |
Look at the Linear Tube MicroZOTL2 used as a preamp (it is also a headphone amp.) I just took home a demo and it is amazing. It is the David Berning design. The tonality and imaging is amazing. It compares favorably to preamps above your budget level and it is under 2k! I rolled Tung sol round plates in it and it really sang. My wife is a professional musician and she even noticed. Read Terry London's review because it is spot on. The Doge is great for the price but this is even better. The Linear Tube amps are great also but microZOTL used as a preamp is amazing! Mine is on order and I hated to give back my demo! It is my opinion that audio companies are seeing the writing on the wall and putting their best designs into headphone gear because of younger generations preferences. There is another headphone amp where it's preamp section sounds better than their 18k statement preamp. The statement is being updated for this reason. Good luck on your search! |
Just been thinking a bit about your situation. If you want to keep your current speakers, it pretty much rules SETs out because of their low power output. To go with those speakers means to get the best out of them on their own terms. Also, I agree with hiendplay’s sentiment that it’s nice to get something special. So, here’s a combo that will play those speakers like nothing else can, and look good doing it. They’re also uncommon, but since they’re made in north american they’re easy to service should they ever need it: The preamp: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649315971-blue-circle-bc303dwbblockq-fully-balanced-dual-mono... (You’ll pay about $1500 less than asking because they’re in Canadian $$$) And the matching amps: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649318813-blue-circle-audio-4-chassis-monoblock-power-amplifier/ |
I would say that low power 300b SET amplifiers like mine are not a suitable match. I suspect that the Line Magnetic 508ia with its 805 output tubes providing 48 watts coupled with very stout power supply design and high quality output transformer is a very viable option. These type of rugged amplifiers with high quality watts often outperform their specifications when simply viewing them on paper. No doubt that the Blue Circle amplifier is a worthy option as well. Charles |
