Tekton Double Impacts

Integrated tube amp suggestions?

I've really enjoyed reading all the insight from tube audio folks. So much so, I've placed all my SS gear up for sale, hoping to remake a system with the DI mains and a tube integrated.

I am going to miss my anthony gallo Ref 3.1's as the truly disappear and have incredible stereo sub bass with the SA amp. When calibrated with Live Dirac and class D amp, the detail and imaging is off the charts, hyper detailed and etched, but physically feels and sounds like each note has fangs on it. My ears grow weary.

I'd like to retain my W4S dac-2 and wonder if there is any value in using it or an upgraded dac as a preamp. Since a remote is a requirement, I'd have to use the W4S dac gain stage with the potential Decware Tori Jr.(no remote). Does the ss gain stage from the dac ruin the sound or flatten it? Or would I be better off with a full tube integrated with remote (dac fixed output) like the LM 218ia or the Raven Nighthawk/Blackhawk? The room is large 16x20x8 and figure less than 20wpc could leave me wanting, especially when watching movie sound effects or listening to rock/ Exodus thrash if I'm really low on vitamin M. Most listening is jazz, blue grass and vocals.

Are DI's sensitive enough for a Triode Lab SET (2A3S-III)  @3.5wpc to provide reasonable spl levels in my large room. The Triode amp appears similiar to the Decware amps minus the volume knob where both amps still require the use of my dac's ss preamp funcionality. Ideally a seperate quality tube preamp would be used but that pushes me out of my budget. I'm thinking a more resolving DAC upgrade would pay more dividends. Line Magnetic 218ia is also a SET design, but few other manufacturers reach the 20+wpc range, not sure why.

Maybe I should just keep what I've got and insert a tube pre to take the edge off this setup   w4s dac-2>tube pre>(ST-500mkii/SA amp)>Gallo Ref 3.1   I'm guessing starting over with the DI's and a full tube signal path is the better way.

Amp recommendations appreciated, $2000-$4000 budget.

Interesting. The gallos are in no way bad, just missing a bit of midrange sweetness, bass response is near 20hz on the Dirac results and tight as hell. Maybe a tube pre will go far enough to fix the ss/digital edge. Thanks twoch

Great looking system, and room, porscheracer. I bet your system sounds great now but it will get even better with time. 

Brotw,

Terry London is using the Triode Labs 2A3S III and the Linear Tube Audio MZ2 as a pre with the DI's in his reference system and loves it. I drive my DI's with the 1watt MZ2 and it sounds amazingly good. The DI's are very efficient and sound great with small tube amps.....with any quality amp for that matter. I have the Decware Torii mk IV and haven't used it since getting the MZ2 about three months ago. I much prefer the sound from the MZ2.....,.and the Torii is a good sounding amp. I had the Raven Blackhawk prior to the Decware and while I liked it it had noise issues with the high effiency DI's. I use the remote volume control on my PS Audio DAC but could add a remote volume control to the MZ2. The Triode Labs 2A3 FFX SET amp or a LTA ZOTL amp will be added to my system later this year.  

@Mac48025, interesting about noise with the Blackhawk. Did you let Dave know what you were hearing and did he happen to say anything about it? 

I'm curious, because I don't want to go down the Blackhawk path if I'm going to have problems that can't be remedied under warranty. When I heard the Blackhawk they cranked with no noise at all.