2. amps-preamps
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Thinking of trying tubes...

Hello, everyone,

I've been a long time solid state guy, and I'm nowhere nere a dealer to take a listen for myself, so need some advice.

For a few years, I've used a Pass Labs X250 amplifier with a set of Dunlavy SC-IVs. I am also a guitarist, and have always used tube gear for my guitar playing--mainly a marshall for crunch and a fender twin for clean for those of you who know what they are. I have always felt that the tube sounds much more rich and present with the guitar stuff, but I know NOTHING about where to go or what to try for my audio system and would like some suggestions.

I can spend about 3500 or so and I'll go used because you get more for your audio dollar that way. Now, given what most of you know about the Pass sound, and the general relationship a powerhouse like that would have with the Dunlavys, any suggestions on where I might want to start?

If you would feel more comfortable, please feel free to email me!

Thanks all!

Roland
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rnbowers OP
6 posts
 
First off, thanks to everyone who has responded, both here and through email!

The biggest question I've been asked is "what do you listen to?" The short answer is everything! I've got lots of Zepplin, but I also have a ton of things by Bach. I've got some Joe Satriani that I tend to crank, and I have everything in Karrin Allyson's catalog and can't get enough of it!

I guess when you get down to it, I want to be able to have my cake and eat it too! Lots of people have mentioned the audio research stuff to me in emails and one post here, so do you guys think a VT200 could push the big Dunlavys?

Also, one other matter worth asking about is that guitar amps aren't used in the same context as someone here very accurately stated. How much do I need to pay attention to biasing issues?

You guys are great and I greatly appreciate your help!
Roland
tiger
313 posts
 
The starting point should be a tube pre-amp with a phone stage. If that works for you then go on to the tube amp. Call it 'baby steps'.
somec59
245 posts
 
Look into Butler Amps at butleraudio.com. They make 150 and 250 high power hybrid tube amps for $2,300
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ncarv
983 posts
 
I had the SC-IVa's a while back and ran them with VTL Deluxe 500 mono's -- a nice match. There's a pair of Deluxe 300's for sale here at $1800 obo and claimed to be in great shape. I don't think you could go wrong with those amps at that price.
nb_dude
21 posts
 
I agree with Tiger, I have had a couple tubed pre's as my intial ventures into "tubedom", for around 5 or 6 years and enjoyed them with 3 different sounding SS power amps and only recently switched to an all tubed set up (SET power amp and absolutely love that). However, I have heard a tubed pre (believe it was a Hovland) with an X250 and thought it was a really great sound...and that maybe a good way to try out that "tubed" sound though, try a pre first because although I have never owned one, every time I have an oportunity to hear Pass Lab amps I always thought they were excellent to my ears. Enjoy...
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