Need Advice on Amp Audition at a Dealers


I'm thinking I should take my present amp to swap in and out for comparison. Should I be doing anything else?
tuberist
thanks again for all the recommendations. Since I can't do a home audition without buying I threw out this post knowing some of you kind souls would help me out. I've just started back again at Audiogon after a long absence. the site now is very different. the "portholes" are pretty weird. Anyway, I owned push pull and set tube amps for 20+ years and decided to try a PS Audio Stellar 300...a class D with about 140 watts a side; this is a seriously good amp. However,  I'm thinking I miss the "fun" of the tube amps (tube rolling etc)  and am interested in auditioning a Rogue Stereo 100 tube amp. My speakers aren't made anymore. I've owned them since 2005 and am still satisfied. The speakers are Von Schweikert db99's and they have internally powered woofers. Best holidays to all of you!


@tuberist 

In regards to the "portholes." 

Users still have a choice between the new Grid View and the Classic List View. Simply choose your view using the Layout Button located next to the Sort By options on any Browse of Search Page.



I agree with williewonka , when I auditioned my preamp it was in a $50k system and it sounded great so I figured I’d take a chance. Turned out to be one of my best purchases ever.  I auditioned my DAC in same system and it was able to hang with some $$$ gear.   

I auditioned my my speakers with the same amps I own and preamp.  Dealer just happened to take in a used pair on trade and was a cj dealer so I was lucky.   

Best to audition in some way but sometimes I’ll take a chance.  
@tuberist

Auditioning your amp against another without your preamp, front end, and ESPECIALLY with different speakers, will perhaps allow you to establish an amplifier preference.  But it's highly questionable whether that preference will be applicable back at your home and with your system.    

If the dealer in question is familiar you, they should allow a home trial.  If otherwise, perhaps the dealer may let you take the amp home with some sort of payment/deposit for the expressed purpose of a X number of days audition.  That shouldn't be a problem as long as the dealer is fully convinced they won't "loose" the cost of an amplifier.  At any rate, good luck with your amplifier quest....

Try an Icon Stereo 30 SE from Music Direct.  If you don't like it, they have a 60 day return policy.  I have a hunch they will pair up nicely with your speakers, which are just crying for Class A single ended power. You also may end up not needing your preamp (the 30 SE has a built-in passive pre).