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 paradisecom

Of those listed, I'd take a serious look at the Brunoco.  The others, meh.

What's your budget?  

For that budget, you can get into some good used tube amps.  Offerings from Conrad Johnson, Cary Audio, (AES from Cary Audio from years ago), Quicksilver Audio, Rogue, and you can start getting into some Audio Research stuff at the top of your budget.

The Decware gear is great, I've owned one of his pieces, myself.  If you decide to buy new, be prepared for a 3 year wait.  You could go used, but you would probably want to go with one of his larger 20+watt units.  Those are over your budget at this time, though.  But they can be something to aspire to for the future.