2. amps-preamps
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I've narrowed it down...

So my first venture into tube equipment will be an integrated amp based on the recommendations of this fine group of enthusiasts. I have narrowed the field to the Rogue Audio Tempest III, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, the Cayin H-80 and Cary SLI-80.

All of this is based on what I have read and what fits in my budget. The Cary is a little over but for something I think I'll have for a lifetime I'm willing to go a little over...

I will be driving B&W 602S3's until more $$$ are available for something else.

My intent is to listen to vinyl then maybe venture into CD's or digital music. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated.

Going somewhere to listen to any of these is not an option for me, and room size is undetermined as I am in the process of moving.

Thanks.
botit
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Make it Cayin, great sound, great value.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Mikirob, speakers will have a greater effect on sound than amplifiers, therefore it makes more sense to start with speakers.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Buying an amp for your current speakers with plans to replace those speakers is not the best idea.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
"speakers will have a greater effect on sound than amplifiers..." And not by small margin IMHO. OP, what is your budget for an amp and speaker transition? Even if done in stages?
botit OP
25 posts
 
2K for integrated amp.

No budget yet for speakers.

My current (HT) setup...
Reciever; Pioneer VSX-94txh
Front; B&W 602 S3
Rear; B&W 601 S3
Center; B&W LCR 600 S3
Sub; Outlaw LFM-1

The 602 S3's will act as the speakers for the time being until I make the dedicated 2ch speaker purchase...

what is a reasonable amount of power to consider? is 20w/ch enough? are tube w/ch different than ss w/ch?

I think that a tube upgrade would certainly increase the quality of the sound I currently have, the question now is would my existing speakers cause damage to an integrated tube amp?

When you say hard on a tube amp what does that mean? Will i need to replace 5000 hour tubes in 20 hours or after 4500 hours?
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