Best Tube Amp for B&W Bookshelf


I own a pair of CDM1’s. A few years ago I heard a tube amp at a trade show. I think it was a Manley Stingray. It sounded amazing. Would this be a good choice for my B&W’s?

Or or does anyone have a better choice? My budget is about $3500.

I listen to mostly female vocal singer-songwriter folk/pop, jazz and classical. Clean warm vocals and sweet acoustic guitars that sparkle are what I liked about the tubes I heard at the trade show.

The souce was SACD. I think it was Alison Krauss Patricia Barber or Holy Cole. On another SACD I think I also heard an acoustic finger plucked piece by Lindsay Buckingham/Fleetwood Mac ’ Never Going Back Again".

Both cuts were truly memorable and made an impression as to the beauty of tubes. I have Crown Reference II solid state amps currently in my system.

This will be my first tube amp. My head end is Emm Labs -- DAC, transport, and pre. Please can you give me advice for integratedes and/or mono blocks in the $3500 range? I realize this is not much of a budget for quality tube amps ... I just need some pointing in the right direction based on experience and with possibly the same musical tastes. Thank you.
128x128rocketroom

Showing 2 responses by tablejockey

this listing in your budget:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Primaluna-Prologue-Premiums-/222323688377?hash=item33c38643b9:g:jsIAAOSwmmxW...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Prima-Luna-Prologue-Premium-Preamp-/322334715994?hash=item4b0ca5705a:g:3OoAA...

The PL line has numerous write ups as unmatched value gear.
You will be hard pressed to find a better deal.

They have been listed for awhile. Offer $2500 for the amps. You and the seller should be able to find a middle ground.

You will have a killer system for the money.

I have the PL Dialogue Premium HP setup.




rocketroom,

this listing is even nicer than my original suggestion.

Get this one, your done.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-primaluna-dialogue-premium-hp-black-2016-12-18-integrateds-43...

It will blow blow away pretty much anything in the price range.
There isn't any negative reviews on this amp.