2. amps-preamps
  3. 1122582001

Integrated Amp Choice: budget tubes or ss?

Hi,

I just recently started to get into hi-fi but have been an avid music lover/listener/maker for many years. Right now my setup consists of a Rega P2 with Clearaudio cartridge, a cheap mediocre cd player, a Marantz 2100 vintage tuner, and a Marantz 1152DC vintage integrated. My speakers are StudioLab 402's (StudioLap made in France by Mosquito www.mosquito-groupe.com, not the Canadian StudioLAB).

My listening habbits are about 70% vinyl, 30% CD and styles ranging from Wire to Taj Mahal to Steve Reich.

Right now I have the option of keeping my 1152DC, but there are a couple good deals and I'm interested in upgrading/changing/experimenting. I could get a Cambridge Audio Azure 340A, or a Ming-Da MC-34A .. I know that the tube/SS divide is pretty big, but I can't decide which one would give me more bang for the buck in that price range. Both are about the same price.. the Cambridge would be new and the Ming-Da used.

Given my brief explanation of my musical taste and formats does anybody have a recommendation of one or the other?

Thanks,
Matt
emenel

Showing 1 response by seandtaylor99

seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
There's a mission Cyrus 1 on audiogon at the moment. I think the price is a little high, but if you can negotiate down a bit it's a very nice integrated amp with an excellent phono section.

I'd also have a look at a used Audiolab 8000A if you can find one.

The creek has an excellent reputation but I have never heard it personally.
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