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First Tube amp suggestions

I am thinking of buying my first tube amplifier and really have no idea where to start.  Years ago I listened to a Sophia Electric  el34 amp (SET) driving a pair of Joseph Audio rm7si bookshelf speakers in a very well set up room and could not believe how sweet they sounded together for the price. (It really felt like James Taylor was in the room).  I regret that I never pulled the trigger on that system and do not know what a good entry level system would be nowadays.  I listen  mainly to male and female folk rock and an occasional classical or jazz album (Cd's and streaming from Tidal)  My current speakers are Triangle Borea BR03's  -90 db but am open to swapping them out. and the listening room is 14' x 20'.  There is a lot of internet chatter about low cost tube amps like the Reisong A12 and the mid priced Williston R8.  Are these amps worth buying or where should I start?  Thanks in advance!

tritube

Showing 1 response by johnread57

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johnread57
238 posts
 

Just tried the cheap and ok Bouyrang Reisong A50 Mark III Set 300B for $800USD. It was ok but couldn’t really push my 98dB sensitive horn speakers because of the twin 12” woofers. I’m not into soldering so I sold the amp to someone who might if they choose to upgrade. He was matching with Tannoy Gold 15” with 92dB sensitivity.

Overall ok, nothing super special just not enough power.
The best tube amp I owned was a KT88 integrated from Singapore 🇸🇬. Powerful bass and clean mids. I’ve also had Line Magnetic 518ia 845 tubes that was disappointing again not enough power to drive the PMC Twenty26 speakers of 86dB. And the Finale 805 tube amp was quite uneventful too. And the Primaluna Dialogue Premium was good but not masterful. I miss that KT88. But none had the impact and control that the PassLabs XA25 has/had. Synergy is critical with speaker matching a very important factor in getting the most out of your interest in tubes.

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