2. amps-preamps
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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 mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 

Variety is the spice of life!

Adding a tube amp in a second system alongside whatever it is you have now is a very smart way to test the waters.

If you are going to try a tube amp, Audio Research is as good a choice as any.

Not a huge tube amp fan here in that I listen to all genres and my favorite speakers in-house currently are not inherently tube amp friendly but have owned AudioResearch and am a fan.

Matching gear properly is especially important with tube gear due to higher output impedances that are typically found.

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