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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
stne418
91 posts
 
"Which can put to rest my temporary need for an upgrade!"

Without a plan this NEED (it 's not a need, it is a WANT) can cost you a lot of money. But it IS your money. Do what you want and what you feel is rigght. My idea when I upgrade is to first make sure I'm happy with my speakers. IF you are not, then you should deal with that first by finding a speaker you will want for awhile and then auditioning it in many settings. Only then will you know what amp to buy. Buying an amplifier because a friend has a bargain often is not a real bargin if it does not fit well with your future plans. Everything must coexist...
Perhaps you should listen to your prospective amps with what you think might be your future speaker?
Post removed 
tmesselt OP
56 posts
 
Speakers first it is, then amp shortly after!
I'll keep everyone posted, but now this will be delayed a bit.
commcat
79 posts
 
How can you pass-up the Genesis M60 Monoblocks if they are priced right?? Take them with you to audition speakers. If the dealer won't let you connect them to his demo speakers then eliminate that brand & model from the list. Dealers know the limitations of their products and won't willingly let you discover what those limitations are.
newbee
4,778 posts
 
T, I relize you have now committed to the 'speaker first' process, which I highly indorse (like Tvad, I have wasted a lot of money trying speakers without paying enuf attention to proper amp matching, just using what I had on hand), but FWIW slowing down the process is a very good thing, because matching amps and speakers to get what YOU want to hear isn't a walk in the park.

Its easy to buy based on what you THINK you read in a review, but reviews can be a serious trap for the unwary, those who are unfamilar with the lingo, or the priorities assigned to the reviewer, and interpert them too literally. For example, I didn't think that 6moons review of the Genesis was all that much of a 'rave', in fact it convinced me that I didn't need to explore it further than the review, even though I was/am in the market for a high quality tube amp.

As I said, FWIW.
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