Transitioning from Tubes back to SS

Once again. Try SS power amp with tube pre. I have lived with the combo for decades. SS power amps can be had for not much, but tube pre's with remote aren't cheap. My tube pre does not have remote. I don't know if there is a tube pre, SS power integrated with remote for right price. I know you want power, but the Altecs should have real volume at one watt.

Thanks everyone....

My last set-up was a Parasound A-21 and a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 (tube hybrid), which I originally had powering Von Schweikert VR-4's.

Many moons ago, I sold my Altec Model 19's, and have missed them ever since. I've gone through Thiel's, Magnepans, Martin Logan's, Legacy's, Von Schweikert's, etc., but none recreated that live environment that the Altec's did.

I bought a pair of Great Plains 604's, built cabinets based on a tested MLTL design, and currently have custom crossover's in the works.

I transitioned to tubes primarily because of the high output impedance, but I have two issues. One, I live in Florida, so no further explanation is necessary! Two, the amplifier sounds slow to me. I listen to quite a bit of jazz, some 80's stuff, and a little classic rock. OK, every now and then I'll throw in Tool or Prong, but that's rare.

There was something about the combination I had before that really made this system come alive. I know 250/wpc on 99db drivers is insane, but it worked. I had hoped the higher output impedance of the tubes would fill in the bass, but I'm now taking care of that via the crossover and some vent adjustments.

I guess I could give some more time. I'm sure the Cary, which I bought brand, spankin' new, isn't going to lose any more value in the next 6 months!

1. Yes, give the Cary a bit longer to settle down.

2. If still not happy, try these ideas:

-Naim Nait XS integrated (don't be fooled by low power rating - lots of boogie plus finesse)
-Vincent SV-236 MKII hybrid integrated
-Musical Fidelity A5.5 integrated
-Ayre Acoustics AX-7e integrated
-Sim Audio Moon i5.3 integrated
-NAD M3 integrated (warm side of neutral)

-Parasound Halo P7 preamplifier/Odyssey Audio Stratos "SE" or "Extreme" stereo power amplifier combination

Do you know if your speakers have a smooth impedance curve. They certainly should be loud enough with 2-5 watts, but are they an easy load for tubes? If had 99db and smooth impedance speakers I would consider trying them with some low powered SETs, though not every speaker is a good match. I think Music Reference builds them and with a used passive from Placette (you certainly need no gain for CD)that might be an approach. Then again, you might just not like tubes.

Your Cary should serve you well with the Altec's - If you want more drive or tightness in your system you might try different driver tubes and or speaker cables - maybe your selection leans towards the "warm" side of the spectrum.

I might be worried that an SS amp will make your Altec's a little dry and/or edgy - that of course if you do not end up with a SS design that mimiks a tube amp sound (which would be worst I am afraid).