I've decided to try Tubes


I have been going back and forth a while. I was thinking of the Yamaha AS2100 to replace my B&K amp (ZU audio Omen Def speakers). For some reason I now have a tube bug. I first thought about DECWARE and now thinking of Primaluna after reading great reviews. If tubes are not for me, both should be easy to resell. I have an opportunity on a Primaluna Prolouge 5 stereo power amp. It has autobias (which is a must for me) and is easy to roll tubes. It comes with KT88's which seem to have better lower end than el34's (from what I read). 35 watts per ch is more than enough to drive my Omen Defs loud if needed (101 db). 

Thought's on the PrimaLuna and ZU combo (Peachtree NOVA-PRE)? I listen to Classic Jazz, Classical and Classic - Prog Rock mostly. 


aberyclark
Here's another vote for Quicksilver.  Any of their monoblocks will work ... you might even try the horn monos with  your very efficient speakers.  They're as uncolored as solid state, but with all the palpability and liquidity that makes tubes special.
Hi , I am currently running a Schiit Bifrost into a Rogue RP-1 with NOS Telefunken Tecktronix to a Dennis Had Inspire KT-88. My speakers are Zu Omens . I use Anti-Cable interconnects and speaker cables, with a Cardas Clear USB. Silnote power cables with a power filter and a sub. My Omens are on spiked blocks like Mapleshades . I purchased 6 pairs of new production and NOS power tubes . 6 NOS driver tubes . I have 1 new and 4 NOS rectifier tubes . I think I have more in tubes than the amp cost . Depending on the tube combo, power  is 8-12 WPC. I love the system , but more importantly, it's been a blast to experiment with cables, speaker placement and tube roll . This coming year I'm considering Bob Latino M125 kits and a higher level Schiit Dac. I have a pair of mint JBL 4312a's , Sound Anchor stands and a nice pair of Knipsch Heresys in the closet .  Long term I'm looking at REL or JL subs and Emerald Physics open baffle speakers . Schiit has a couple cheap preamps for consideration and my Bifrost Uber Analog  DACChas served me well . My friend is a former Rogue/ Mod Wright/ Parasound/ Acoustic Zen/ Dalhi dealer . All great gear , and his house is full of it . But expensive for my modest lifestyle . I was brought up on Dynaco and enjoy point to point amps . The Had Inspire has a modest price and is the best 12 watts I've heard on a budget . The Prima Luna is very popular , and you have Upscale Audio to help. But I haven't had one .  Well that's my 2 cents . YOU WILL HAVE FUN ! Happy listening , Mike B.

I started my audiophile journey with a solid state amp and quickly moved to a Decware Torii. It did so many things right, but it still felt lacking. Especially in the bass. I have since moved on to Pass Labs 30.8. 

The 30.8 was everything my tubes were and more. The tube amp was definitely fun to tinker with and look at. Great conversation piece. But when it comes to sound the Pass was better in every single way. 

I still use tubes, but now in a BAT PREAMP. Best of both worlds!
I started my path away from solid state toward tubes with a Rogue Cronus integrated. It was a revelation, but not the most refined amp -- serious bang for the buck, however. For a few months I switched between a killer Ayon KT88-based amp and a Raven 6L6 amp. Both sounded great, they were very different amps and I finally moved the Raven into my home office and kept the Ayon in the primary system.

These equipment changes are exactly what the doctor ordered if you want to find a solid excuse to change interconnects, speaker cables and everything else in the signal chain... (what a hobby, eh?)