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.
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?
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?
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Ok, thanks guys! I know very little about tube amps but I have super high efficiency speakers and I think I'd like tubes -- we'll see! :D I do believe the smartest thing for me to do is to go used and trust what you, the experts, say is a great buy so that's what I'll do. I'm still leaning towards just an amplifier rather than an integrated because it will give me a better upgrade path, so I'm considering either of the two on Audiogon posted above. Thanks to @lowrider57 for the help! I'm not sure I can afford one of these until the next round of stimulus money comes. But maybe I can. Not sure yet. If I don't get one of the ones listed now can I come back and ask about other tube amps that might show up here or on other sites? |
Of course you can keep this thread going. I'll second Jolida, aka Black Ice as a possible amp for you. I recommend you message the seller of the RM-10 and make inquiries, he's the original owner. Ask to see more pics. I expect this amp to sell quickly, they don't come up for sale very often. http://www.ramlabs-musicreference.com/rm10mk2.html Will Vincent regularly posts his restored Dynaco's. |
- 33 posts total