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
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?

avanti1960
1,509 posts
 

You want an integrated amp.  The LaScallas need more power than people realize.  

I heard them with a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum and the sound was fantastic.  

Look for a used one- 

Here is one right here- lots of power and great sound. Jump on it ! 

 

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 

+1 @danager & @knotscott

Bob Latino ST-70 (or 120) are excellent amps. You can also get a volume control for either. I have the ST-70 and am amazed at it’s sound every time I pull it out to listen. I like it enough to get the Don Sachs Kootenay 120 which is the highly customized version of the 120. BTW my speakers are 93.5db efficient. I believe yours are nearly 100db so you will have no trouble driving them with the ST-70. And make sure to try the 7581 tubes in the 70

My Review

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,543 posts
 

would the passive Schitt SYS preamp work ok for the time being for the volume control?

With the right tube amp...maybe but I'd start thinking about a tube preamp, perhaps a Schitt Freya+. The LaScalas won't be their best without really good stuff feeding them.  

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 

A question about the LaScala's. I looked them up to find their efficiency which is 105db  w3hich any flea watt amp can run. But I found a spec which surprises me which is the

frequency response: 51-20,000 Hz

Really? Many bookshelf speakers go this low. Is this correct? hard to believe you would need a subwoofer with a speaker so large w/ a 15" woofer/mid

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