2. amps-preamps
  3. 979614451

New To Tubes & Direct Wadia to Tube Amp

I currently run a Wadia 850 direct to a Jeff Rowland Model 2, with balanced XLR interconnects. I have been thinking about purchasing a tube amp to check out the differences. I would greatly appreciate some advice on the following questions: (1) Do you recommend against a direct Wadia 850 to tube amp connection, where the tube amp is unlikely to be balanced? (2) Do you think there will be an improvement in sound with a tube amp over the Jeff Rowland Model 2, assuming a good quality amp? (3) What amps do you recommend. I have been considering everything from a used Audio Prism Debut to Quicksilver Silver 60 Monos, to the Kora Jupiter to the Audio Research V100MKII, to Sound Valve, to the Audio Electronic Supply Superamp. As you can see, I am all over the board and lost, having absolutely no experience with tubes. (4) What are your thoughts on tube mono amps versus stereo amps? (5) Is auto bias adjustment a good thing or a bad thing? My speakers are fairly efficient at 90db / 8 ohms/ I greatly appreciate your input.
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doug28450
199 posts
 
I'm not a tube guy, but these thoughts go regardless. Do not buy an amp to try/audition. There are plenty of dealers that will work with you on a loaner. The last thing you want to do is plop down hard earned money to experiment. You may not like the amp you buy and end up having a hard time finding a buyer or take a big loss. As far as going direct to the amp, you have to experiment. In some cases you will get a sound that you like better with a preamp in some cases not. Since you have a dac that you can run direct I suggest you find an amp you like, then try some preamps. Good Luck, Doug
marklivia
60 posts
 
opinionated reply,but...only tubes i'd try are the atmaspheres. they come balanced if your looking for a tube-like sound, try the belles 150a hot rod or the warner imaging amps. i know they're not expensive or ultra shiek, but they sound good, although you will give up a little w/ the wadia cause they are'nt balanced outs. the new belles 350 will be. stick to no preamp w. the 850.
mikeam
122 posts
 
You will not have any problems connecting directly to a tube amp. I have owned the Kora 100SB Triode amp and found it to be one of the best I have ever owned. Atmasphere is a fine amp for sure, but it is not the only fine amp. Auto bias is nice but I have heard that it can have sonic detractors. If you get an amp that you have to bias manually, you should only have to do it about once or twice a year or whenever you change tubes. Kora amps have some exetremely attractive prices, i.e. there Cosmos monos can be had for about USD 4.4k. When introduced about 2 years ago I think HiFi Farm was asking USD 18K for the pair. Concerning if a tube amp will sound better than your Rowland, only you can answer that for yourself. I have heard some very fine sounding SS gear, but when it comes down to pure musicality IMHO nothing beats tubes. Funny how the better SS gear tends to lead reviewers to compare the SS gear to great tube gear. That says a lot in and of itself. Best regards, Mike
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