2. amps-preamps
  3. 176675-173439

$1500 tube amp for La Scalas?

hi all,

Might be getting my first pair of Heritage speakers and I'd like to see what all of the tube hype is about.  I will probably primarily be listening through some sort of streamer, perhaps something like the Bluesound Node or similar.

I've seen praise of the Willsenton R8 but wanted to see what else was out there, perhaps if I went to the used market.  Can you suggest some models which might be in my range and would work well with the a single input source?

I've also heard really good things about the Decware but not sure about the current lead times nor the wattage output in the models in my pricerange.  Listening room is fairly large so I was thinking while the La Scalas won't need a ton of power, I was thinking something more than 2w might be necessary.

Appreciate any thoughts in advance!

thanks!

128x128johns21
danager's avatar
danager
929 posts
 

tubes 4 hifi

ST-70

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/amps.htm#ST70

This amp can be purchased assembled and would be a great match with the LaScallas 

It over your budget but the ST-120 would add the power for the bottom end.

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,874 posts
 

Quicksilver horn mono’s.

Mike

 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,715 posts
 

A Music Reference RM-10 Mk.2, if you can find one.

knotscott
896 posts
 

tubes 4 hifi

ST-70

+ 1....the VTA stuff is excellent, and is priced right. 

 

 

johns21's avatar
johns21 OP
20 posts
 

hi everyone, thanks for all of the thoughts.  So I was doing some reading.  I thought I knew the difference between an amp, an integrated amp and a dac, etc, but I think I might be confused again.

Anyway, I read that you CAN use the volume control on the Bluesound Node, but probably should not as it sounds bad and if the volume slider gets moved all of the way up, you can imagine.

So one question is.....if I get a real power amp, would the passive Schitt SYS preamp work ok for the time being for the volume control?

I also see amps like the Decware Zen Triod with a volume knob, so I guess those are more integrated amps than a power amp?  And the DAC I was kind of interested in, the Black Ice DAC FX also has a volume knob?  So this could act as a pre-amp and DAC also?

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