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Which tube monos? So many choices.Very intimidated

I am a newbie to this tube amp world and I am currently running solid state Simaudio Moon amps and seperate P-5 pre into Wilson Watt Puppy 8's. The source is a Mac based system running through a Wavelength Cosecant DAC Numerator V3 with some nice Transparent Musicwave Ultra cables and decent ints. Looking for that mono tube nirvana I have been reading about in the forums and reviews. The more reviews the more confusing it gets to the point that I have reached paralysis by analysis. I am considering these in the mix. My speakers are 92db sensitive so I think maybe Lamm ML2 or 2.1 or Ml1.1 , Joule Marquis 100, Art Audio Jota monos, the list is endless. I enjoy reading the forums. Some of you out there really have some teeth when it comes down to slamming some posts. Be gentle with this one. I am learning as I read.
Cheers and thanks for the read.
Nick
thedubemaster
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,901 posts
 
FWIW the 2.2 ohm figure is not a problem for any tube amp because it is at higher frequencies and is not broadband. Its actually more of a problem for transistors that make too much power into that impedance!

The rising impedance at low frequencies also makes the speaker a good match with OTLs. Our local dealer demos his Wilsons with Atma-Sphere M-60s.

The National sales manager for Wilson used MA-1s for years on his Watt/Puppy 8s before getting the Maxx and eventually a set of MA-2s. Soundstage said (with MA-1s):

No matter what the reason, this system was one of the very best I've heard anywhere.

see:
http://www.soundstagelive.com/factorytours/wilson/
samhar
1,048 posts
 
It's worth a lot!! I've shied away from Watt Puppies and others thinking the Joules would have problems. Thanks for the information/education.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Hello Thedubemaster,
Welcome to the world of tubes;I would pay attention to the reply from Atmasphere and Rushton;if you are not familiar with Atmasphere; I personally believe he is one of the top pre amp/power amp tube manufacturers in high end audio that offers excellant advice and recommendations in these forums.
thedubemaster OP
6 posts
 
I would like to thank all of you for your input on this. I checked the virtual systems and it seems the BAT 150 SE was a good choice even by the Wilson website. The amp I think I will try first is the Atma-Sphere MA-1. If the marketing director was running his 8's and then his MAxx3 with them they must be a good choice. I am going to try to listen to as many as I can but our selection here is by no means vast. The McIntosh 2301 I have heard and they do sound good. Only had a 1/2 hour listen though so not long enough.Cheers
Nick
kmelancon
15 posts
 
I would add the Rogue monoblocks to your list. I've heard several different tube amps and I think they sound superb and are a great value in the hi fi world. I would suggest the Apollos if you can swing em. That's what I'm running.
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