2. amps-preamps
  3. 1210041582

System change recommendations

I currently own a B & K 4220 solid state amp. I am using a B & K PT5 as my pre amp. I am contemplating making the move to tube amplification. I am seriously considering a Cayin 88T as my amp. But I have some confusion about the versions I've seen with different driver tubes etc. Plus I'm concerned about speaker matching to optimize the sound given there are only 45 watts to work with. I have a fairly wide range of music that I enjoy. I don't need thundering loud and I have a relatively small listening room. I prefer bookshelves to floor standers with a possible addition of a sub if necessary later. Can you help? Thanks.
bejespeese
bejespeese OP
3 posts
 
Thanks, that clears up the amp questions I have. I saw a Cayin 70t available locally. I also saw a 100 T listed on audiogon. Now that one is listed at 100 watts ultralinear. Now that should be enough power to drive almost any speaker that I might consider, including some planar ones. I really need to get this right on this go round because I can't continue to spend this kind of money, if you know what I mean.
bejespeese OP
3 posts
 
Saki70

I guess I wanted advice on both amp selection and speaker combo to go with it. I really want to get an integrated amp (tube) and speaker suggestion thatwould work well together. I eventually want to ad an analoge source, but for now I have a tubed SACD plater from Cayin as a digital source. My room is 12 X 14 and I currently own book self speakers from Margules Audio, model SA 1-es. Does that help?
saki70
907 posts
 
Yes , I think that you will get better recs with the added
info .

I had the Cayin A88T with Reference 3a De Capo i's , pretty decent sound . Got rid of the Cayin due it's being a bear to bias as mentioned above . Moved to a Primaluna Prologue2 , not quite as warm with stock tubes but better on the top end . I too have a tubed CDP .
I auditioned the Cayin on Usher standmount and 2way FS. I felt that they were too much in your face , for my taste .
I also tried VS VR2 and 4jr. , too dark , kind of the opposite of the Ushers .

You are wise to find recs for the combo . It may save you much time , money and aggrevation ! Just keep in mind that what I like may not suit you !

Good luck .
More to discover