2. amps-preamps
  3. 1155071602

Entry level tube integrated to replace T-Amp?


Hi!

I'm currently using a T-amp with a NOS Dac (Derek Shek's) with a pair of original Snell K. I'm very happy with the set-up and amazed at how good things can sound at budget level. However while the Snells are tight, swinging, very open and aery, and delivers great soundstage and image with the T-Amp, they are also somewhat "bleached" in sound (as I've seen them described by someone). The T-Amp is a bit "thin" overall and creates a certain listening fatigue. The Snells are last on my list of updates, and I am therefore considering replacing the T-Amp with an entry level tube integrated to compensate for the Snell's somewhat "bleach" sound and the T-Amps somewhat "thin" sound, as well as to make the listening less fatiguing. I'm aware of at least three well reviewed tube integrateds: the Almarro 205, the Sophia Baby, and the Decware Zen. Is there anyone who has heard and compared those three amps and could give me some advice? PRaT (as the English say) is very important to me and I would vey much like to keep the T-Amp's good soundstage, image and detail.

Feel free to comment!
Thanks!
Jolojl
jolojl
dmason
30 posts
 
I second the opinion of Macrojack. The Signature 30 is a whole other creature, and switching between it and my tube amps means little, if ANY, tube withdrawal. Plus, it has, to use Srajan's phrase, "lead-filled brass balls." It sounds waay too like a very very good Single Ended tube amp with lightning in there, in the form of high current battery based delivery of power to your speakers. I really love mine.
dlstephenson
121 posts
 
I would suggest looking at KT88,EL34,6551 tubed units. These seem to have more punch than the 300b, 2a3, 6l6, and 5881, Units.

I have not had a chance to listen to a good set of 845s but I have heard that they also give a more dynamic sound, however these units seem to be expensive.

I just purchased a cary rocket 88 (kt88) and really enjoy the sound, very black background with a dynamic sound from low listening to medium listening volumes. On this amp I have a tendency to use Triode only, it just sounds better to me.

Perhaps the TAD products might be a good starting point, very inexpensive, good reviews, and EL34s that can be interchanged by changing bias, and he offers in home demos.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
PrimaLuna Prologue 1/2 35W/40W.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
jolojl....exactly...plus the extremely neutral respnse of the snell, will let a bit of that warm creek(read british)midrange in at low as well as high volumes.
jolojl OP
7 posts
 

Hi!

Dmason
This new RWA Sig. 30 really seems to be on everybody's lips. I really think it's what I'm looking for so maybe I'll keep to the T-Amp until I can get a Signature. Would have been fun to try tubes though...

Dlstephenson
Looked at the Cary Rocket 88 review in Positive-Feedback and it gets a great one. Couldn't find anything on TAD though. Really a problem with this "hobby": you can never audition enough before buying. You have in many ways to trust other's opinions. Maybe one should become a reviewer oneself :o)

Tpsonic
Had a look on Stereophile review of no 1. Looks interesting. But same problem as above.

Jaybo
:o)

Thanks for feedback!
Jolojl
More to discover