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Tube Monoblocks in the 5-7K Range

Looking at purchasing a new pair of tube monoblocks to drive a pair of 90 db hybrid electrostatics that I'm now purchasing and would love some recommendations. I've got my eyes on either the Carver Cherry 180's or the Primaluna DiaLogue Sevens, so if anyone has compared these two it would be appreciated, and I am open to other suggestions.

I listen to a variety of music, tending towards a lot of classical string music(20th Century British) and modern electro-acoustic stuff on my digital front end, but tend towards singer/songwriter, female jazz vocals and classic 70's rock on my TT. I am basically a midrange person, but am attracted to the PrimaLuna because of the ability to switch from triode to ultralinear on the fly.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts
scotlynn
scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
I guess I'll need to find some place to hear the Rogues. I take any professional reviewer's review with a giant grain (more like a chunk) of salt - put more trust in the ears of end users like you guys, so if you're all saying the Rogues have tube warmth, I'll need to consider them.

I guess all these amps take a variety of output tubes that will have a big impact on sound in virtually every one of them.
goldprintaudio's avatar
goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
The Rogue M-180's are very, very good at that price range. I would also put the Manley Snappers on your list to consider.

Rogue and Manley dealer disclaimer.
thuan98's avatar
thuan98
122 posts
 
I have a pair of Cary 805C to drive my Merlin VSM 87 dB
Very powerful for 50wpc. Do a search online, Stereophile had several reviews. 805AE cost more but not sure it worth the money compare with 805C
I currently use them to drive my Usher BE20's top freq ( bi-amp with Class D driving low freq)
Good luck
tonyjack
102 posts
 
The Quicksilver V4's are flexible in tube choices to tailor the sound. Hand made in the U.S.A and built to last. I would not describe them as overly warm, but if you want a creamy mid range you could go in that direction with a tube that has that characteristic. They can also use the KT 120 which is supposedly very nice in those amps. I use the JJ KT88's and find them to be very nice. Mike Sanders uses them as his premium tubes in those amps.
All of the amps mentioned by other posters would be worth auditioning. It's all a matter of system matching and taste. Good hunting.
zaphodbeeblebrox
78 posts
 
if you dont mid used

Jadis makes wonderful amps.

maybe a little over you listed price range but not always.

i don't think my Carvers sound like SS but then the SS that i have had before like the McIntosh 2105 and Jeff Rowland Model 3 Monos are tube like sounding SS, so if you look at it that way then yes my Carvers sound SS.
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