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Pre + Amplifier Recommendation

Hello All,

First let me say I have spent countless hours researching what may or may not be the right combo for me and my listening preferences - the reality is that there are so many options I am likely more confused now than before, though not from a lack of effort.

So, I have Dali Helicon 400's and listen primarily to rock / folk indie primarily, but do listen to most genres. I have a Cary SLI-80 with upgraded tubes and it sounds great, but lacks a bit of power when i want to turn it up and i am wondering if in addition to increased power i could move up the food chain a bit and get something even better, so long as better is not in the five digits.

I prefer tube sound to any solid state I've owned or heard to date, and my primary concern is being engaged in the music not hearing every last detail, thought that is neat as well.

Was thinking maybe a set of used Cary 805AE units, but fear they may not have enough power. VAC ? BAT ? Quicksilver ? Coincident ?

Or should I start over with new speakers as well? Daedalus Argos look pretty cool and are seemingly more efficient, may open up the options on amplification?

Look forward to your suggestions and thanks in advance.
juggernaut850
phd
1,314 posts
 
I have kept the same speakers but seen a few preamps &
power amps come and go. By the way they are very efficient
speakers (102 db) and these were the ticket to getting the
most out of lower powered tube gear. I drove them with a
tube amp that put out 8 watts per channel and I could reach
higher than moderate levels without overdriving the amp. In
addition this also eliminates having to buy the much more
expensive & high wattage power amps. So my opinion is to
invest in different, more efficient speakers because your
Cary gear is considered to be very excellent by many.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I don't like low power tubes with high sensitivity speakers,the sound is not heavy or visceral enough for me. I find the combo of a tube preamp with solid state power provides the best of both worlds. If you like to listen loud and FEEL the music as well as hear it ,you might try this combo.
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
+1 For Mattmiller. I too use a hybrid combo and its the best sound for me by far.
phd
1,314 posts
 
Mattmiller, I would agree and I no longer have the tube amp but I used it as an example that speakers that are very efficient don't require alot of watts to drive them. I currently use 150 watts per channel amp and that sounds even better.
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