2. amps-preamps
  3. 195737-202215

Help with first tube amp

I’m looking for some guidance on purchasing my first tube amp.

My current setup: Speakers: Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2 bookshelf speakers.  (I plan to add a subwoofer soon)

Amp/Source: Cambridge Audio EVO 150 (all-in-one integrated with built-in streamer & DAC)

The EVO 150 made sense originally because I didn’t have room for multiple components, but after some renovations I now have space and flexibility to build out a proper system.

Since this would be my first tube amp, I was hoping to keep costs reasonable and have been considering: •Muzishare X7 (KT88) •Cayin A-88T (KT88) •A used Muzishare R100 (300B) available locally •A used Brunoco Terra 6L6 PP available locally

My questions:

1.    ⁠Will I actually hear a meaningful difference between my EVO 150 and these lower-cost tube amps?
2.    ⁠Are my Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2s at 87 db sensitivity a good match for these lower-power tube amps ?
3.    ⁠Anything I should keep in mind as a first-time tube amp buyer who listens mostly to vinyl and streaming?
4.    ⁠What If I used the EVO 150 as a pre amp with the tube amp as power source only?  Would that still give me that tube sound ?

Thanks in advance — really appreciate any advice from folks with experience!

licarijo

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
8,292 posts
 

I have owned three sets of Sonus Faber speakers, none have been hard to drive. 

ghdprentice
8,292 posts
 

I would recommend sticking with amps that are well reviewed by Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+. These are highly respected professional audiophile reviews. I would start with their annual component summaries. You will find brands like Cayin, PrimaLuna, Audio Research, VAC, etc.  well reviewed. I would not hesitate to buy used of one of these brands although I always buy new. Other off or "amazing sound" for a budget cost... only new. 

There are too many risks buying off brands. Try to listen to a couple different brands... typically they will have a house sound, reproduced through their component lines. In the less expensive lines PrimaLuna, Cayin, and Rogue (I am personally not a fan of the the later). But all are well regarded. 

Tube watts are much more powerful than solid state watts. So while 25 watts of solid state power are unlikely to sound good on your speakers 25 watts from a good tube amp will probably sound great. Assuming you’re not into headbanging music at hearing loosing volumes. 

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