2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh ma6900 a proper preamp to a Decware zen triode single endled tube amplifier?

McIntosh ma6900 amplifier, 1982 khorns updated with volti audio gear. Am thinking of acquiring a Decware triode single ended tube amp to get the tube sound with the khorns which are now sensitivity of 104db. Would the McIntosh amplifier be a proper preamp? Everything I have read does not make this sound like a good pairing. I am not a techo-geek with any special knowledge.. I just buy what sounds good to me. Any thoughts or references which might provide more information than I have would be greatly appreciated.
bjpricing
ruf1
1 posts
 
Not exactly the same as your asking ... but I'm running a McIntosh C220 with Decware Taboo MKII and some Omega RS7 loudspeakers.  They pair up excellent and the best combo I've tried with the Decware.  Also using a McIntosh D100 DAC and Rega RP6 TT as sources.

The Taboo needs at least 2.1v input to work it's best and my previous DAC did not have enough gain so I was not getting full volume out of the Taboo.  So I brought the Mac on a whim (as I always loved Mac stuff) and the pairing turned out to be the best combo I've used to date.  
bjpricing OP
14 posts
 
A friend of mine found a single ended tube amp on ebay that came in low enough to buy and try out. Turned out the Mac is working out just fine and the preamp. I was amazed that that the sound is not that much different from using the Mac alone. There is a lot less 'force' behind the sound and is more transparent throughout the entire sonic range. I am really new with the tube amp and need more time with it. I do like it. Khorns drive some people away, but to me they sound like they were made for a tube amp.
Thanks you for your time and input.
centralaveguy
3 posts
 
I just purchased a Arcam SA30 integrated with great streaming capabilities (Tidal), DAC, DIRAC room correction,  phono preamp, and it sounds great.
Am I nuts for using it as a preamp for a Decware Zen Triode?

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