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How would you introduce tubes into this SS system?

I have a Rotel RC-1070 preamp and a Parasound HCA-1000 amp driving a pair of NHT Super Two’s. The Super Two’s sensitivity is 87 db (2.83V at 1M), 8 Ohms nominal impedance (3.8 Ohms minimum), and recommended amp power of 25W/ch min. and 175W/ch. max. The Rotel’s output level and impedance are 1V and 100 Ohms, and the Parasound’s input impedance is 33 kiloOhms. The budget is around $2000 for either a tube preamp, tube amp, or integrated tube/hybrid amp. I like the sonic qualities of tube equipment, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much bass. I should also mention that I use this system primarily for listening to vinyl on a Music Hall mmf-5.1 turntable. Should I replace the Rotel, the Parasound, or both? Thanks for your opinions.
jackalope
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Well done with the speakers. I hope he's shipping in the original boxes.

According to Stereophile, these speakers are tube friendly. Even though their sensitivity measurements were only 
84.5dB/2.83V/m, impedance only dropped to about 6 ohms in the lower mids and much higher in bass frequencies. So, it's an easy to drive speaker.
You should have no trouble finding a tube amp to pair with the Josephs.



kymanor1
49 posts
 
I h as ve been down the same road.  In my opinion you should start eith a tube preamp.  That is the best wsy to introduce tubes inyonyour system.  Will still have the bottom end that we all love.  I recommend a Conrad Johnson PV12. Great smp for a great price.  The newer PV amps are fantastic also just more money
pgalvin
33 posts
 
How about a Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated tube + SS?
Fully supported etc, and can be found used.
Have an audiophile friend driving his Maggies with one of these. He's tried more expensive gear but likes the Sphinx better!
http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_sphinx.htm
soix
9,797 posts
 
Congrats on the speakers (if it works out)!  Might be worth a call to the guy with the Cayin to see if he has any thoughts on parts and service, and he may be willing to lower the price to compensate.  If he's had the amp for a while and it's been reliable, it bodes well going forward. 

But, if you're not up for that, you could go with something like this to get some tubes in there...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis966he-audio-research-ls-16-mkii-linestage-preamplifier-tube

and pair it with omething like this...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis966he-audio-research-ls-16-mkii-linestage-preamplifier-tube

or this...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis95f22-belles-150a-hotrod-power-amp-factory-reconditioned-solid-...

I've heard the McCormack with the RM22s and they're a very good match, and you can upgrade the amp later if you want to bring it to an even higher level.  Combined with a good tubed preamp you'd have one sweet sounding system. 
thomasgc
24 posts
 
I bought a Shiit Freya (factory direct) and installed some vintage tubes in it. I think it's a great pre You can try it with the stock tubes and return it if not happy Nothing to loose except 5% restock 
made in USA 5 year warranty 
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