2. amps-preamps
  3. 164072-93252

Amp and Pre-Amp suggestions needed

I just picked up what will hopefully be my end-game speakers. They are TLS-1's based on the old Ohm F design, produced by Dale Harder of HHR Exotic speakers. I will probably share more in a separate speaker thread later.

It's become readily apparent that my Rogue Cronus Magnum III integrated is not cutting it with these speakers. 

I am looking for suggestions on a tube-pre and solid state amp separates that will drive the TLS-1's to nirvana. 

Here are my must haves:

- I want tone controls (treble/ bass)
- Again tube pre
- SS amp
- At least 150 wpc
- Want to keep my spend under $5k (new or used)

Yes, I already have Dale's recommendation, but I'm looking for other points of view here.

Thanks,
Joe
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Showing 2 responses by nordicnorm

nordicnorm
313 posts
 
@stereo5 wrote:

" " I'm in agreement with kijanki4 with respect to tone controls. The better your gear, the less you need them."  That's false. At 67, my hearing is going and tone controls can be a blessing. "

Well, you have 5 years on me, so perhaps I'll feel the same then as well...
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
I'm in agreement with kijanki4 with respect to tone controls. The better your gear, the less you need them.

For a preamp, I would recommend Don Sach's linestage:
http://dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html

Don builds these by hand and will tweak it to match your amps. The downside is that this means you'll have a 6 - 8 week wait.

I have one and I'd have to spend some serious money to best it.

For an amp, I would suggest looking at a pro amp (e.g., Yamaha, Crown, Crest, Soundcraftsmen, etc.).  

My previous speakers (Martin Logan Spires) loved power so I ran them with a pair of Soundcraftsmen PM860 monoblocks from the 70's. They pushed 900W at 4Ω. Total harmonic distortion was under 0.05%. They were completely silent when no music was playing. If you require big power, pro amps are your best bang for the buck option.
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