My Dennis Had tube amp is hardly "mid fi" except that it wasn't expensive, and I still listen to it from time to time but it was relegated to a resting spot by a Pass XA-25. That actually is one of the most transparent SS amps out there but it's 5 grand or so. Utterly worth it and there's nothing like it I know of.
Mid-fi tube vs high-end SS
Hello everyone. I am new here but not new to audio. I’ve been meaning to buy a high-end permanent SS amp for 2 years now. But not sure how much improvement I can get.
A little about what I have. I use a high-quality tube amp I bought for around $1,500. 55 watts per channel Class A. With upgraded tubes it’s a little over $2,000. The amp I have is the Musical Paradise mp-501 I’ll link below. Using upgraded Kt-170 tubes along with some nos 5693 red tubes and 717-a tubes.
My audio knowledge and listen ability has improved substantially these past few years thanks partly to this tube amp. Sorry for the long-winded intro. My actual question is, how much improvement should I expect going from this tube amp to something high-end SS like the Gato 150 and the incredible DVA M225? Very little reviews on the Gatos, I’m hoping I could get some help here, even anything about the Gato 150 from users would be helpful. Ty
https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=55
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@samureyex _ I agree with mesch, if your main focus with it is for movies and gaming, and what reads like from your post day time background listening maybe consider spending less on that amp; and using the excess funds towards your more dedicated music listening with your tube amp. As far as from where to purchase NOS tubes you can purchase from reputable places like : Vintage Tube Services, Brent Jessee, Upscale Audio and Tubemonger to just name a few.
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I had some speakers designed by Murphy for Salk (SS6M) and then I bought other speakers that are more like the BMR speakers you have now (with RAAL tweeter). Your speakers, by the way, seem like excellent ones and excellent values. In my experience, the best sound was attained in both sets of speakers with lower power tubes -- KT77’s are the best, to my ear. Your tube amp cannot run KT77s. That raises the possibility that you might get a different tube amp. The question becomes, what does the impedance curve on those BMR speakers look like? If it’s mostly flat, you’re good with lower power tubes, I think. As for SS, like @wolf_garcia I have a Pass XA-25 and it’s going in my casket with me. It’s unbelievably smooth, intimate, warm, great soundstage. |
- 68 posts total