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Best for under $5,000.00

If you were going to buy an amp, preamp and hook them to B&W 805(non-diamond) speakers what would you buy new? I am intrigued by the new low cost tube amp stuff(I think made by Cary)that is being promoted in the Audiogon adds and wonder if I would achieve "audiophile" level using some well choosen lower cost stuff. I play CDs and ITune sources. I know the sound is no better than the source but just currous what you all would buy new (I looked at all the used stuff) if you were buying. Thanks.
flybyjr
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
I'd buy a Butler TDB-2250 2-ch. amp: tube/MOSFET hybrid design with tons of current and 250 watts/ch. As for preamsps, I'm not sure and will not make a recommendation...

=RW-
flybyjr OP
2 posts
 
does anyone have an opinion of the low priced Cary tube amps advertised in Audogon?
counterpointsa12
12 posts
 
I don't know anyt but research reliability issues
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Flybyjr,
I haven't heard the low priced Cary stuff you are talking about. I think you can be sure that Cary is not going to put low priced stuff out there that is going to compete with their high priced stuff. I think it is an effort to draw more people into 2 channel, and also a response to the reality of the current economy. I think the best bang for the buck is always buying used, but now more than ever. I've seen some nice stuff go dirt cheap recently. Its a buyers market. The only way you buy new stuff now is if it is a unique piece that almost never comes up used, or if you have a dealer who will cut you a break on a demo.
There are ways to negotiate on prices without low balling.
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