2. amps-preamps
  3. 160876-151272

Desire to try tubes

So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
bilyeauxbrew
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Veerossi,
I also think that the Line Magnetic 805ia  is an excellent recommendation. One minor correction, this integrated amplifier uses 300bs as driver tubes. The output tubes are the DHT 805 producing 48 watts per channel. That’s a lot of SET  class A power for the very efficient Herseys.
Charles
bob540
429 posts
 
I'm not unhappy with my SS gear, but I admit that I'm curious about the vaunted "tube sound".  From everything I've read, that Cronus Magnum iii looks to be a quality integrated.  Wish I knew someone locally who has one.  Don't know if the local Hanson store has it. Might ask.
au_lait
371 posts
 
Heresy are efficient so Shindo would be worth checking out, a few of my friends have Klipsch Scalas and Horns paired with Shindo and it’s gorgeous. Hard to find but the Appetite is a 15w integrated.
wolf_garcia
6,795 posts
 
I use a Schiit Freya (original version) with NOS GE 6SN7GTB tubes driving a Dennis Had Inspire Firebottle HO ("high output" at 10 to 17 watts depending on tubes selected) SE amp. Total cost for both was originally around 2 grand (the Had amp was 2 months old bought from the original owner). This combo is the best sounding amp/preamp rig I've owned, and better than any I've actually heard...into Klipsch Heresy IIIs...great "budget" stuff with world class sound.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
klipsch’s have their own sound signature for sure... if you like their sound then it is certainly a major benefit that they afford the use of some very very very fine sounding low powered single ended tube amps - amps that cannot be used with many other good speakers with lower efficiency
More to discover