So why did we need to see 2 pages of specs on a Benchmark AHB2? That amp must have a TON of feedback!
Tubes for Magnepan’s.
I think next up on my acquisition list is a tube amplifier. I'm not looking for the be all end all, cause I don’t think there is a definitive "Best", so am looking for as good as I can get for $3-4k.
Because tubes drive speakers so much more efficiently than solid state I am only looking for 40-50 watts to drive my modded Maggie’s, 1.7i's. (Or what you have when you add a new crossover and planer tweeters to 1.7i's.) Maybe 2.7x? I haven’t settled on that yet. And I have some Zu Dirty Weekend's upgraded to the max coming in in 2 months to replace my KEF's.
Anyway, I haven’t had a tube device since my Halicrafter short wave radio, and reviews are not the same as advice from people that own something. There is a Rouge Audio dealer in my area, last I looked, (opps, they no longer carry them), so I may have to go to another market to hear something, or get a try before you buy from a manufacturer or dealer.
You folks have taught me a lot, and I think asking users is the right thing to do on this change in direction.
Thanks in advance.
Because tubes drive speakers so much more efficiently than solid state I am only looking for 40-50 watts to drive my modded Maggie’s, 1.7i's. (Or what you have when you add a new crossover and planer tweeters to 1.7i's.) Maybe 2.7x? I haven’t settled on that yet. And I have some Zu Dirty Weekend's upgraded to the max coming in in 2 months to replace my KEF's.
Anyway, I haven’t had a tube device since my Halicrafter short wave radio, and reviews are not the same as advice from people that own something. There is a Rouge Audio dealer in my area, last I looked, (opps, they no longer carry them), so I may have to go to another market to hear something, or get a try before you buy from a manufacturer or dealer.
You folks have taught me a lot, and I think asking users is the right thing to do on this change in direction.
Thanks in advance.
- ...
- 104 posts total
@fiesta25 It is necessary because: 1. Some people feel the need to reiterate the fact that Maggie’s need a "LOT OF POWER". Which we already know. Many of us are happy with 100w's a channel into 8 ohms with our speakers though and we are not crazy, lazy or stupid. 2. Not many people are familiar with this amp, but some automatically dismiss it as inadequate. And the most important spec is that if one is not powerful enough for a given person, two in bridged mode will make your ears bleed. 3. I would rather defend people who know what they want "en masse", and I want to hear what others have to say regarding their positive experiences with tubes and Maggie’s, and some people are closed minded and don’t understand that, so feel that we are somehow not listening to the Mantra of Maggie’s. 4. I'd rather hear the positive of someone else’s experience with a Maggie and a Zen Triode than someone that has 2000watts per side AB because that is already established doctrine, and we heard them the first time. ✌️ |
Not with Maggie's, but with Apogee Duetta IIs, I had rebuilt a couple of 80wpc mono Conn Organ amps. Conventional wisdom was the same at the time, 200w min, high current. The tube amps sounded great, and pretty much kept up with a Bryston 3B at the levels I would listen.They sounded terrific. Both had my wife complaining about the levels ;). I still have them in storage and plan to give them a shot with the Maggie's next fall/winter. I have found that at times, conventional wisdom impedes progress. |
Steve Guttenberg thinks the Rhumba 3.1 is the choice in my price range. https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-preamp/ |
- 104 posts total