2. amps-preamps
  3. 147616-5802

Going to try a tube integrated.

This past week I was traveling on business and I ran across a audio dealer that sold Focal speakers. They happened to have a pair of Focal Sopra 3s connected to a Octave v80se integrated tube amplifier. Since these are the speakers I own, I had to sit down and listen. I was really impressed with the laid back presentation and nice warmth in the mids. I’ve always been a solid state guy.

So since then I have been thinking of getting a tube integrated amp a try. Another Focal dealer today told me that the VAC sigma 170i is a terrific match with the Sopra 3s as well, however, that particular dealer is not close so it is not easy for me to hear the speakers with that particular amp.

Is there anyone that can give me some advice on this? Thoughts on the VAC sigma 170i vs the Octave V80se? This is my first foray in to tubes so I don’t have a lot of experience.

Thanks!
rshad0000
audioabyss
22 posts
 
If you can find a Primaluna to demo do it. I currently run the Primaluna Dialogue HP with KT150s. Awesome amp! Powerful and tight bass and mids that are very close to the EL34s. 
tastyfreeze's avatar
tastyfreeze
135 posts
 
One of the best things I ever did...

freediver
1,384 posts
 
you will never regret trying tubes and you will never go back to SS...
Whatever you get make sure you confirm how it is biased/metered..Auto Bias or Test points & biasing adjustments that are easy to use,NOT stuck deep inside the amp...
How big is the room?Is it acoustically treated,musical taste & how loud normally?When is the last time you heard live,unamplified music?You can’t judge how anything really sounds if you don’t have a base to compare to,go listen to live music ASAP.
Look at Rogue Audio,Raven Audio,Cayin & Prima Luna..

gregdude
222 posts
 
I love my tubes, probably never going back.
rshad0000 OP
271 posts
 
Thanks for all of the advice and recommendations!

I was emailing back and forth with the Octave dealer late this afternoon and went ahead and purchased the v80 se with the super box power supply.  I’m very excited and will see where down this road tubes take me.

freediver-my room is 20 x30 and is not acoustically treated but I do have rugs and curtains strategically placed.  From what I am told and read the Octave should be easy to bias. I do not listen to music very loudly- 80 to 85 dB.
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