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Seeking advice on tube amps

So, I have decided that I would like to step on over to tube amps. So far I have 2 different amps in mind

1. Genesis m60 monoblocks
I have heard great things about these amps from personal friends, to a great review in 6moons, although I have not heard them in my system.

2. McIntosh MC275 v4 or v5
I have heard this amp at a mc dealer but not in my own system.

My speakers are currently paradigm studio 60 v3 91db 8ohm.
They are the next thing to be upgraded after the amps.

So of those 2 choices, does anyone have any input of the 2?, or more amps to add to the list the fall into the same price point / performance level?

I have also entertained the idea of looking into SET amps with high efficiency speakers, but I don't want horns or some really funky looking speaker. I know some exist out there, I have just been finding it hard to find the information on it.
tmesselt
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Are you sure you want to pick your next amplifier BEFORE you pick your next speakers?

I say that because you are possibly limiting your choice of speakers by doing so. I recommend auditioning the speakers first, and finding out what you really want in the way of speakers before you buy your amplifier. That way you know what type of amplifier will work best with your speakers. (IMHO, speakers have the most impact on the type of sound that we hear, and speakers are also the most personal of choices that we make for our systems.)

My two cents worth.
Good Luck in your search!
tmesselt OP
56 posts
 
Well I do have a few ideas on which speakers I want eventually, but I think that the tubes may hold me over for a bit. Speakers I am considering.
In no particular order
Dali MS-4
Dali Helicon 400 MK2
Dynaudio S3.4
Focal 1027BE
Devore Super8s
Sonus Faber Cremona

I have heard a few of these, and will hopefully hear most of them before making my decision. Unfortunately it is difficult to pick the amp and speaker when you are purchasing them at separate times.
larryken
537 posts
 
tube amps are vast in types of design and tubes used. tubes can limit your choice of speakers and each type of tube has a different sonic signature. it would make much more sense to pick the speakers first then go for the right amp....speakers that like tubes usually have a stable 8 ohm impedance and sensitivity in the 90's...some tube friendly designs are DeVore, Coincident, Silverline. I am a SET man using an 18 watt amp. On your speaker list on the devore's are tube friendly and the Dynaudio the least friendly.
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