2. amps-preamps
  3. 160876-151272

Desire to try tubes

So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
128x128bilyeauxbrew

Showing 5 responses by mozartfan

mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
The 805 is the more powerful of the two.


^^^^^ 
Even though you claim the 

<<805 is the MORE POWERFUL>>> yeah, like what 5 watts more??
 always keep in mind, SET low watt amps have extreme limitations on what speakers we can employ.
I am a  SEAS/Scan speak kind of guy, SET's  are eliminated.
I've used a  Jadis Orch Refer to drive the Thors and worked with just enough power. Seas/Scanspeaks are rated below 90db, so a  tube integrated should be rated at least 30 rock solid watts for either speaker's basic requirements. 
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Used/new Cayin KT88, either the mid size with a  quad of 88's or the big boy with 8 KT88's, 
have caps changed to Mundorf SESGO. For power tubes, Svetlana 6550's, pretubes Tele's.
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Thanks, will starting with pre-amp better than tube amp? Do you need both for the best tube sound?


^^^^
Yes a  high quality tube pre + high quality tube amp = superior sound, But will cost ya $$$$$$. 
Best bet stay with tube integrated. 
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
The travel and transportation cost, tack on a HEAFTY price, alone... 10-15 %.

^^^^^^^
lol
hahah
I would never ever  cobnsider buying a  amp/pre amp from 
<<asturalia>> unless I was 100% sure the unit was built likea   tank = unlikely to break in my lifetime,,,and I had a  tech LOCAL, who was willing to work on it at Supratek's funding./warrenty.
Shipping a  unit back to australia??? 
You gotta be joking...
Which is why , whatever i buy, 
2 priorities to purchase, built likea  tank and built with quality components, , 
this way i havea  basic structure to work all my upgrades into the systems lower end parts.

mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Here is my 1st choice in tube line stage amps
Never heard this cayin, but i know fora fact it is best bang in town.
How/why i know this?
Look at the scaffold build/uses high quality trans.
but most of all, lets the buyer know the lab uses Takman resistors, which are the most musical resistor in current production, Although they employ the Rex/carbon, whereas I much prefer the Rey /Metal.
The Rex’s are too smoooth for my taste,,but if you are a fan of jazz music, the Carbon Rex are right up your alley.
another huge plus , well actually 2 big pluses with this unit, has dual separate channel trans, and employs a quad of 12AU&, which is my prefered line stage tube vs the 12AX7 which is too loud/forward.
For under 1500, ain’t nothing can touch it.
https://www.hifi-amplifiers.com/en/cayin-sc6ls-mk2-12au7-eh-tube-stereo-preamp-hifi-valve-preamplifi...
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