The most expensive route will be trial and error, buying, selling returning etc. My advice would be to include the speakers into the decision making process and think of them as a system. Low power tubes will sound best on high efficiency speakers, so money saved with the F10 may end up costing more on the speaker side. I’d recommend something in the high 90’s db efficiency like Zu Dirty Weekend or Klipsch Heresy. Again if you want to use your triangles skip up to the F11 at minimum. Even that will have some issues delivering bass, but it does come with a sub out connection.
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!
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Not to muddy the waters here, but a lot of the 3D magic you heard with the SET amp and RM7si speakers was probably not in small part due to the excellent imaging/soundstage capabilities of the speakers as it’s just a core strength of the brand (although I’m sure the amp contributed as well). Another option would be to try these RM22XLs and see if they recapture a good portion of that magic with your existing amp, and if not you can likely turn around and sell them for little/no loss. Just another option to ponder FWIW. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650003701-joseph-audio-speakers-rm22xl/ |
@perkadin Thanks- yes the sub out is a consideration I am mulling over. I have an older Adire Audio Rava sub I could put into the mix for now if I am missing the very lower end. @soix I have been eying those RM22xl's and I heard them at the same dealer that I heard the RM7's years ago. They are definitely more weighty , but I remember them less holographic if that makes sense- Could be my memory. they were hooked up to different amp though - cant remember which. Thanks for the suggestion. As stated above, starting down this road will be an expensive but enjoyable journey! |
Jarred at BIA is helpful and you deal with him on issues. No need to worry about email swirl, non-answers, or worrying about having to send the amp back overseas just to get someone to deal with it [or not], on the other low-coast amps that is. Some local techs won’t even touch junk any more, not wanting it to come back again for other part failures they had nothing to do with on the first repair. You do get what you pay for on those [other] cheap amps, cheap parts. Some of us call them disposable amps. When they break, you simply throw them away, and buy another. A waste of good money imo. [integrated] is what you said, right? Well, imo you have to spend up a bit more on integrated amps to get good ones with good parts. If you want to take it next level, some times you can [shop with patience] to secure better quality [used] amps and preamps if you choose to go separates, adding 30% to your budget - but it can pay off later. Many times can resell them for what you paid for them or more years later, only IF they are HIGH in QUALITY build and parts. Not that you want to, but it opens the door up more as another consideration fwiw. Best of Luck. |
If the Black Ice doesn’t work out, I highly recommend the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 3. I believe it’s among the best “first tube amps” out there. It’s integrated and has 4 inputs plus adjustable and killer phono stage. The headphone output sounds wonderful and thanks to the robust power supply it has many tube rolling options. There’s even a switch for Ultralinear or Triode mode. 100wpc if you can find one with the KT120s or roughly 90wpc with KT88s. Biasing is crazy easy and it looks cool. I often see it compared to the Black Ice and they’re usually neck and neck. Similar price too I believe. I’d suggest taking a look at least. Either way welcome to the tube club! Good luck. |
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