2. amps-preamps
  3. 192822-108038

Adding a tube amp is a good idea?

Dear all, 

Hope your 2025 is off to a good start! I am thinking about adding a tube amp. Particularly Audio Research ref S80. Nicely used unit can be had for a reasonable price so I am considering it. You can see my virtual system for a full list but my system consists of LTA preamp, Pass Labs X250.8 amp and JA Perspective2 speakers. Totally happy and satisfied with the sound I get from the system, but just want to have another amp for a different flavour. Do you guys think ref 80s sounds different enough, for better or worse? Let me know what you think. Thanks 

 

panerai557

Showing 1 response by immatthewj

immatthewj
3,300 posts
 

My first better end system, 30 years ago, started with a Cary entry level tube amp (and a B&K digital HT preamp in front of it).  That started me down a long road.  

I am not familiar with that ARC amp you listed, but my next upgrade from the little Cary amp was a pair of ARC VTM 120s.  Those babies sounded fantastic, even with that particular preamp of dubious audiophile quality.  They could whisper sweet and quiet or they could scream.   And if it wasn't for how unreliable they could be when I flipped the switches on them, I'd still own them today.  

More to discover