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Dali MKII 800: what amp / cables should I use?

What amp should I pair with my Dali MKII 800 speakers, and Audible Illusions MODULUS 3A (tube pre-amp)? I was told that tubes are the best for the detailed/clear sounding Dali's, but SS are better for the wattage/bass. My budget for the amp is around $3-5k (2nd hand market). How much wattage should I use given the 4ohms?

Also, what cables (power, speakers, I/C, etc.) should I use? Please name brand and model numbers so I can start my research! Thanks!!
broken
azaud
156 posts
 
Nice speakers! I heard them in a Cary room at one of the shows a couple years ago with the SLP 05, CAD 120S and 306 Pro. Really a nice sound in this room. Not "Hi-Fi" at all. Nothing stood out. I just wanted to listen. I don't recall the cabling setup. They (Cary) have a MkII of the 120S now; but I haven't heard it. I do know you'll want to set money aside to upgrade the tubes. The Cary KT88 amps LOVE the Genelex Gold Lion reissues.
I'm not familiar with your preamp; but the Cary gear was run balanced from source to sound, and those speakers were loving it.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Checkout:

McIntosh MC275 Tube
McIntosh MC401 Solid State
Manley Laboratories Snapper monoblocks Tube amp
broken OP
2 posts
 
any other comments? What about BAT vs. ARC? BAT 75SE? Anyone have experience with tube amps designed else where but coming from China (PrimaLuna, Vincent)? Comments!!???
coressence
15 posts
 
I have my Dali Helicon 800 MkII's connected to a BAT VK300SE Intergrated Amp and the midrange makes my friend with a Mac MC252 powering B&W802D's more than envious. With your budget you can easily target the BAT VK75SE (tube) or perhaps a VK250 or VK255 with Bat Pack amps (Solis State). I find the bottom end tight and plentiful in my 20 X 35 room, and the highs are to die for, Bottom line BAT & Dali make for a nice match IMHO. Best of luck... and please let us know what you ultimately decide.
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