2. amps-preamps
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Tube amplifier upgrade suggestions welcome.

I currently have a Musical Fidelity m2si and some Tekton Lore speakers and would like to buy a power amplifier to upgrade my system.  I'd like to keep the m2si in the system as a preamp.  I'd like more clarity, bass, and dynamics in my setup.  I have up to $2K to spend and thought I'd try out a tube amp since my speakers are supposed to be very tube-friendly.

I have considered something like a Parasound A23+ or Rotel 1582 amplifier -- what are the equivalent tube amplifiers to these?  I'm in an 11' x 12' room with horrible acoustics but I've treated it with 8 GIK 244 bass traps and have added an SVS-SB1000 to fill in the low end which helped a ton.  How should I proceed from here?
128x128shawn3997
shawn3997's avatar
shawn3997 OP
56 posts
 
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.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
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.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
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




mesch
3,479 posts
 
I would consider a tube integrated. Quicksilver and Raven are great options having a true tube preamp stage. Some integrated amplifiers have passive volume control. The Line Magnetic and Pass Labs integrateds represent the passive type. Both highly regarded. 
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Check out Black Ice tube amps (Jolida) as they're underrated gems...I used a Jolida 502P power amp for years and it was a very powerful and clean tube bargain...and you can call the Jolida/Black Ice guys with questions...either an integrated or power amp will be within your budget.
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