Integrated tube amp vs Tube amp?
My first foray into tubes. Does it make sense to get an integrated tube amp if I have a tube preamp ? I have a McIntosh C2700 now. Should I just look for a straight tube amp to pair with the McIntosh? Do I get an integrated tube amp and use it’s preamp ? I guess I am asking will I get more performance ,for my money, by getting just tube amp?
+1 @atmasphere ...as per usual. |
Long time lurker, first time poster. I am currently running for the last month a MC1502, C2700 into Cornwall IVs. Honestly, it is the nicest sounding system I have ever had. I had thought about a MC275, but the MC1502 sounded just a bit nicer/richer to my ears. I tried a hybrid amp, the MA352 before I returned it and went with the current combination. I think something similar would serve you well. |
Also if you need a bit more top end energy and zing in Rogue amps, the Mazda silver plate 12ax7 (not 5751) is a panacea. It sounds almost like a full component upgrade in the right scenario. I used ’em in Apollos and Apollo Darks, even when not wanting the extra top end for the latter, just because they’re so damned good. They were absolutely a huge upgrade for the original Apollos. I got mine from Brent Jesse. Short of Mazda silvers, the Telefunken ribbed plates is one to try (easier to find and cheaper than Mazda) - NOT the smooth plate kind though, which are warmer. I’m kinda wondering now if the plain Apollos with Mazdas might have been better than the Apollo Darks lol. The Darks ship with Telefunken smooth plates, which it needs for balanced tonality, but the absence of the Mazda's detail, dynamics, punchiness is quite obvious with that sub. |
Never tried the Mazda 12AX7, thanks for the tip. Tried everything else and nothing could beat the Amperex Bugle Boy long plates- so smooth and holographic. A good complement to the 12AU7 Bugle Boy Holland. The RCA 5814 were an attempt to add some top end but they were a touch to sibilant. I do have some Mazda 12AU7s too. So glad I kept all those small signal tubes.
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