2. amps-preamps
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Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?

After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.

To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.

Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.

Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
massvm

Showing 1 response by seldenr

seldenr
59 posts
 
You might look at Antique Sound Labs. Their MG15 DT-S is a single ended pentode, which puts out 15 wpc. By the way, technically it is an integrated, and has received rave reviews. My brother bought a demo for US$550, and since using it hasn't bothered to reconnect his US$2,700 solid state 250 wpc unit. Another suggestion, the new Cary ___ V12(it has a longer model name but I forget). Just reviewed in Stereophile, has 4 triode amps in one chassis (for 50wpc) which can be switched (on the fly) to ultralinear at 100 wpc. Scull really liked it and retail is US$4,000. Audio Electronic Supply (a Cary subsidiary) makes the SE-1, which is a 300B SET amp putting out 7 to 8 wpc, and can also use 2A3 tubes at around 3.5 watts. Sam Tellig likes it, and retail is around $1,000 for a kit (with tubes) or about $1,200 assembled. Regarding speakers, I second the Coincident (ok, I'm partial since I bought a pair of Super Eclipse). Israel Blume will usually answer the telephone, and is highly regarded. Nice guy, and according to an e-mail from a TAS reviewer, is one of the best speaker designers in the business. Just my opinion, but give him a call and let him explain.

Let us know what you end up with, and what you compared in the process. That's part of the fun!
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