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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.

bullitt731
bullitt731 OP
25 posts
 
Thank you all I at this point I am leaning to the Halo a21 and suitable tube based preamp. This seems like a prudent way to try some tube equipment within my $2500 budget. My Halo dealer will let me borrow their A21 to audition with whatever preamp I pick up. He is also a long time B&W dealer with knowledge of the 803S speakers which will help.

Lastly are there any good reference articles, or books on tube equipment in general, or is it strictly live and learn as you go?

Best Regards.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Thinking about taking the plunge into the tube arena to soften up the highs in my 803S speakers."

The only thing I would suggest is to be aware that you have 2 different goals here. One goal is to try tube gear, and the other is to fix the highs on your B&W's. While you may get lucky, I wouldn't expect a move to tubes to fix the issue with the speakers. Those 2 goals should be dealt with separately.
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
Zd542 is right, its the inherent nature of the speaker that you are dealing with and at some point, maybe after they stop being mint, you will be glad that you bit the bullet and moved on to something else.
plasmatech
77 posts
 
Tube AC treatment. Plasmatron at vhaudio.com. Brings harsh edginess to their knees. Great product.
abrew19
146 posts
 
I have a Cary SLP-98 F1 tube preamp / Pass Labs SS amp combined with B&W with excellent results. But mine are the older Matrix 803 which is totally different. Those are not known for needing highs softened...
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