I was able to aquire a Prima Luna integrated used for$1200. Plenty of power and sounded very good. So, it's possible.
Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.
Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
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- 142 posts total
You can try a tube preamp. This Van Alstine would be worth a try. You can return it with a full refund if it is not to your liking! https://avahifi.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/transcendence-10-rb-preamplifier |
Did a little surfing with my coffee. NEW You could start with a tube preamp/amp integrated: https://heaven11audio.com/billie-stereo-intergrated-amplifier/ Or for preamps, there's still a new QS to go with: http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/line-stage-preamp/ or here for $1295: https://www.donwalkeraudio.com/quicksilver.html or John might do a deal for you: https://www.audioconnect.com/product/quicksilver-line-stage-preamplifier/ You might consider this maker, Erhard Audio. Here's his entry level: https://www.erhard-audio.com/Europa.html Above this, for a few hundred more, there are nice units that include wood. Used: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649735683-conrad-johnson-classic-2se-tube-preamplifier/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649657520-conrad-johnson-pv-12l/ https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaac7e-conrad-johnson-pv-14l-tube https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649733487-audio-research-tube-pre-amp-ls-2-black-markii-remote/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649666817-canary-audio-c7/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649710703-audible-illusions-l1-preamp-modified/ This one is especially attractive looking but I've not heard of Pear Audio before: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaabaf-pear-audio-blue-reference-preamplifier-tube |
+1 lowrider. If your Peachtree is driving your current speakers to satisfaction and has preouts and amp inputs I would suggest you get a tube preamp. Quicksilver is a great option. Also check out Aric Audio, give him a call. You could then compare the tube pre to use of the Peachtree pre. You could then save for a tube DAC to serve your CD player and the Node. As mentioned your speakers are not the most tube friendly so sticking with SS may be your best option. |
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. I have the original Unlimited that I run with a couple different First Watt amps,(F5,J2) and occasionally a pair of Monarchy Audio amps with,what I feel ,are really great results. Just a recommendation since you're looking at tube preamps as a possibility. |
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