Tube amplifier upgrade suggestions welcome.
Upon study, it seems I am looking for something like a First Watt amp but you don't see them for sale very often and not at my price level. I had a Linn LK280 some years ago and that was a great amp but it ran so hot it burned the boards which is what keeps me from buying a used Klout. I think like 10 watts class A used or the like is what I want, used. |
Would you consider a used Raven Nighthawk integrated to be a better move than buying, say, the Parasound A23+ new and using my m2si as a preamp?A tube integrated would be a better way to go than using the MF as a preamp. Raven builds highly regarded components, you should check user reviews of that amp. I second adding Quicksilver and Decware to your list. |
I'd love a Raven but that's out of my budget and I don't see any used models available, unfortunately. You are saying I'd be better off buying a tube integrated than using my m2si as a preamp and buying a tube amplifier to add to it? I was thinking at least that would get me into separates for later upgrading and I'd not have to count out the m2si entirely. |
Would you consider a used Raven Nighthawk integrated to be a better move than buying, say, the Parasound A23+ new and using my m2si as a preamp? This is kind of where I'm at decision-wise.My answer to this question was to stay all tubes and not buy a Parasound. Separates is a great way to go. Use the m2si and find a used tube power amp. Quicksilver comes up for sale pretty often. |
A rebuilt Dynaco by Will Vincent is a great amp. It has that classic tube sound. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2a90-dynaco-un-limited-by-will-vincent-mondorf-caps-tube A very highly regarded amp... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa8h87-music-reference-rm-10-mkii-tube |
