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
Post removed 
tablejockey
4,108 posts
 

" you can get by with approx. 160-180 tube watts"

Now that's a ridiculous  statement.

Lots of overthinking makes it look like an engineering feat going on.

Look for a 20-40 watt used/new, MIC /whatever amp in your price range, read reviews , come back here with new thread about your choice to get more ridiculous suggestions, overthinking and reinventing the wheel advice.

It's not necessary to get that anal about  the technical side of audiophoolery for what you want to experience.

mattw73
150 posts
 

Im curious as to how hard those Faber's are to drive? Sensitivity & ohms don't always tell the whole story. 

Of the 3 amps mentioned I would grab the Brunoco. If that is the best one for your speakers I haven't a clue. If you get a good deal on the Terra 6L6 I suspect it's an easy resell in the 2nd hand market. 

Other than that my opinion would be to not rush it. $15-$2500 in the used market could bring home a gem if you know what you are looking for & patient. Maybe these guys can mention some other options that are usually available out there. 

ghdprentice
8,292 posts
 

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

jonwolfpell
475 posts
 

I would consider a better quality one than those like a used one like Cary, Prima Luna, Raven. Will outperform those & likely be more reliable. 

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