2. amps-preamps
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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
larsman's avatar
larsman
2,595 posts
 

Around what is your 'reasonable cost' budget? Not familiar with Muzishare, but Cayin and Brunoco are both supposed to be fine tube brands. You might also say what kind of sound you'd like the tubes to provide for you. Different tubes in the same amp can make for very different sounds (for example, a Gold Lion 300B sounds nothing like a Western Electric 300B); in many cases, the differences are not subtle. 

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,595 posts
 

I meant that Cayin and Brunoco were supposed to be fine tube AMP brands! 

johnss
628 posts
 

If you can, you may want to borrow a tube amp first and give it a listen. Cayin is a decent amp. They offer several models at several price points. Believe they are made in the same factory as Primaluna. The key with tube amps is the quality of the output transformers. Usually you get what you pay for. There are so many options its tough to say buy brand X. There are tons of tube amps on the used market as well from the likes of CJ, ARC, VTL, VAC, MAC, etc. 

ghdprentice
8,300 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. 

elliottbnewcombjr
6,071 posts
 

2.    ⁠Are my Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2s at 87 db sensitivity a good match for these lower-power tube amps ?

no, my beloved Cayin A88T is only 45wpc in ultra-linear mode. I would look to get 75 to 100 wpc tube amps, (try, option to keep or return).

or, change your speakers to more efficient ones, with larger woofers, so you don't need to add a sub or pair of subs.

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