Tube amp forethought

@wolf_garcia 

Having said all this I am planning to get either a Pass XA25 or a much less pricey Schiit Aegir to see if I'm imagining all of this so called "fun."

I think the XA25 may surprise you. I'm a tube guy myself but wow, the Pass Class A stuff is amazing and digs pretty deep into the sound.  To me it's like tubes on steroids but not overcooked or unbalanced.  Just more of a good thing.

I hope the OP will consider Ralph's (Atma Sphere) amps. They are really wonderful pieces of equipment that in general need only to be biased (very easy) and then just work as they should. (Though if anything does happen, you are only a phone call away from assistance- though in my many cases, it was something I did- But, Ralph seems to always nail down the problem quickly.

Re: Pass amps
To add fat to the fire...
I also use an Ayre MX-R, and have to say they really are a nice compliment to my MA-1's. Smooth, detailed- mmm-Good.

Bob

I recently watched the Guttenberg "audiophilliac" interviews with Nelson Pass and really enjoyed 'em. Pass, Atma Sphere Ralph, the Schiit guys, Dennis Had...all refreshing and hip as...well...you know...

Overwhelming to say the least !
:0)
i have been into Home audio since my good friend was spinning Kiss destroyer through a HK receiver and small Advents, my guess 1976ish/1977. I was smitten !!! Blown away by the orange glow of the receivers light and the music coming out of those little Advents was glorious to say the least. I had a panasonic portable 8-track player, and a home “all in one” unit.
this changed everything, i HAD to have this sound in my life.

40yrs later, just putting the finishing touchs on my 3yr build of my HT, and im just thrilled at the thought of new gear getting me even closer to my music, excited is to say the least, im taking notes !!!!

thank you all for the great 1st hand knowledge on tubes and esl’s.

Now, please continue. I have no idea of which Quad, but it will be, im not afraid of rebuilding, im a tweakahaulic

Picked up a VTL st-85, impressive power and lovely tube sound.