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Tube Amp Recommendations

Looking for a tube amp, less than 3K and preferably not more than 2500 dollars, that can power Von Schewikert VR 4 JR speakers. I am using Morrow Audio SP2 speaker cables (a phenomenal produc, the highly acclaimed Audiohorizons tube pre-amp, an Alesis ML-9600 CD player/recorder, a Taddeo Digital Antidote, and LAT international as well as Audiohorizons interconnects.

I wish to avoid the extreme hassle that I experienced with VTL MB-225t monoblocks (will sell very cheaply)with the biasing. If not an autobias set up, I'd need some middle ground from what I went through with the VTL's. Monoblocks or single chassis are OK. Preferably Id like a company that has a reputation of being very service oriented if needed.

If there are amps out there that you can recommend, I am all ears. I am new to the tube game on the amp side. I do have a Music Reference 125 wpc amplifier that is very, very good on one of my systems. However, the audiophile in me wants to try something else.

Thanks.
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clio09
3,355 posts
 
Paul,

Sorry for the delayed response. I did not feel the RM200 was as good in the mid-range as the RM9. I think the RM200 has better tonal balance and is more neutral than the RM9. Of course my RM9 was the original version not the SE (although Roger upgraded some parts on it for me). That being said I still wouldn't mind having the RM200 in my system.

Roger ran his with the PITB and a non-descript Sony CDP. Zip cord for speaker cables, his RAM ICs, and stock PCs (not much of a cable guy). At the time we were listening to his prototype electrostatic speakers, which are now in full production. A very impressive set-up that was much different than mine at the time so take that into account as we were not doing an A/B comparison.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Likecap is right. I have a mint Cary V12R and will probably never let it go. I hooked it up to a new Cary SLP98P preamp and can't be happier, but then again, I do not think there is such a thing as Majic or Nervanna in music. It's all about the Benjamins. sas
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Can anyone comment based on listening(not what you've read) comparing any of these contenders to each other

BAT vk55, vk60 vk120
Cary v12
Manley Mahi, Snapper
Dodd monos
Quicksilver V4 others?

Thanks,
Spencer
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,039 posts
 
Try art audio amps.They are easy to use,I heard their
service is good.I truly understand getting rid of
unreliable equipments.Too much headache less music.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
SBank, I think it will be hard to find folks who truly have a lot of comparative experience with the amps you listed. I will say the Quicksilver in general sound very good, are built to outlast you, are easy to resell, and you will be very hard pressed to find any owner who doesn't like them, but you will those that have sold them only to come back to to them -- all these comments are also true of the Music Reference RM9 (not monoblocks).
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