Exactly. Tube pre + SS amp is the exact formula to satisfy the bass driver of the 800 range.
Best Tube Based Options For B&W 803S Speakers
Thinking about taking the plunge into the tube arena to soften up the highs in my 803S speakers. I currently have an Anthem AVM30 using Genelec speakers in a 5.1 theatre system as well as an Anthem A2 pushing the 803S for 2 channel. I will be upgrading to a 7.1 processor at some point possibly the Marantz 8801 and considering an upgrade to the Oppo 105 as well.
My immediate concern is what would make the most sense and be cost effective in terms of trying out some tube equipment for a 2 channel rig. Perhaps keep the A2 and try a tube preamp, or sell it and try an integrated tube amp. Maybe try some type of tube based CD player using the analog bypass in the theatre processor. My budget is around $2,500 used and I am looking for something easy to maintain.
Comments are much appreciated thanks.
My immediate concern is what would make the most sense and be cost effective in terms of trying out some tube equipment for a 2 channel rig. Perhaps keep the A2 and try a tube preamp, or sell it and try an integrated tube amp. Maybe try some type of tube based CD player using the analog bypass in the theatre processor. My budget is around $2,500 used and I am looking for something easy to maintain.
Comments are much appreciated thanks.
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- 36 posts total
You will need to be very careful about impedance compatibility when pairing a tube preamp with your Anthem A2. The A2 has a specified input impedance of only 10K unbalanced and 15K balanced. The output impedance of the BAT VK-3ix is described in John Atkinson's measurements as follows: The unbalanced source impedance varied from 7k ohms at 20Hz to 1460 ohms at 1kHz and 2650 ohms at 20kHz, while the balanced figures ranged from a very high 14k ohms at 20Hz to 1850 ohms in the midband and above.If the output impedance of the VK-3i that was suggested above is similar to that of the VK-3ix, it would be a completely unsuitable pairing, which would result in severe deep bass rolloff. Ideally the output impedance of the preamp you choose to use with the A2 should be no higher than 1.5K balanced or 1K unbalanced, AT ALL AUDIBLE FREQUENCIES. If only a nominal output impedance is known, which would presumably be at a mid-range frequency such as 1 kHz, to be safe I would suggest an upper limit of around 200 or 300 ohms. Regards, -- Al |
- 36 posts total