2. amps-preamps
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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
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
9,791 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 
harrylavo's avatar
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harrylavo
346 posts
 
Buy a used Modulus 3A preamp, add some new tubes, and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.  Great preamp with an even greater phone stage.  Preamp and tubes will set you back less than $2000.  Output impedance will not be a problem with this preamp, so no bass problem.

I have heard your components one time or another, and in MHO your preamp is the weakest link.  Also, based on my experience tube preamp/ss amp gives you more tube goodness than vice-versa.
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, everyone. I'm still digesting all of this, and now I'm contemplating more expensive options as well (go figure). The Primaluna Dialogue Premium looks really well designed and well made. I'm just not sure that I want tubes on the output stage. I don't live where I can listen to one first. Anybody have any experience with these, and have any thoughts on how it might suit the Joseph Audio rm22si's? Particularly in the lower freq.'s?
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