2. amps-preamps
  3. 1219591951

best sounding tube pre and ss amp youve heard.

Hi,friends and i made tests comparing spectral dmc6 and dma 180,on duns 4as and wlsons w/p5,with audible illusion L2 and quick silvers v4s.The spectral gear was holding its end quite ok but the tube gear really revealed more transparency and musicality and sounded relaxed compared to spectral gear.But few hours after of listening and comparing we couldnt stay in my 23x12x9,4 foot ceiling living room.So my question is what would be the best ss amp match for a tube pre Shindo aurieges which im planning to buy,apparently people rave about the shindo.Didnt hear yet but will soon.Any suggestion is welcomed.pat
128x128pataldorr
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
DeHavilland Mercury3 with any SS amp.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
BAT VK5i + VK500 BP was my first tube + ss shot. It was pretty good after getting the right tubes in the preamp.

The best however, was a Thor TA 1000 + BAT VK500 w/BAT Pk. wzs the best sound I'd had in my home. That was while using VSA VR4 JR, and/or Phase Tech PC10.5.... I'd love to have heard it on my Sonata IIIs...

Lately, in conjunction with an Odyssey Strattos SE it isn't bad either. Not at all.

I'm sure there's a lot of good amps that will do well with a Thor preamp feeding them though.
jond's avatar
jond
5,687 posts
 
It's more important to match your amp to your speakers than your preamp, what speakers will you be running? Are you using Watt/Puppy 5's? Is the other speaker you mention a Dunlavy IV? Both would seem to want a pretty powerful SS amp, what's your budget? Would you consider a high powered tubed amp? More info is definitely needed.
weiserb's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
weiserb
475 posts
 
I like my Mac 2200 for the money and features.

One of the best I have heard is the BAT REX.

I also like the sound of the Conrad Johnson Preamps
More to discover