Matching up speakers and amps


I currently own a pair of Spendor A5's that I am very happy with. They are matched up to a McCormack DNA 0.5 and the Acurus LS11. I am looking to replace one or both and also still debating tubes vs SS. Any opinions as to the Spendors matching up better one way or the other?
mwentsel

Showing 1 response by newbee

I agree with Timlub's sentiments. But just getting a tubed pre-amp can be a very fruitful venture and worth the effort. Getting a tubed amp can come latter after you've figured out the tubed pre-amp issues (it is wonderful to be able to adjust tonal issues etc by simply changing tubes). You may never need a tubed amp. Some folks like the sonic merits of SS so the combo can be a good compromise. But be careful, some tubed pre-amps sound pretty much like SS, especially tonally speaking. You might do well with a vintage tubed pre if you want to stop with a tubed/ss combo.

FWIW, if I had to, I'd probably get a high quality SS pre-amp and a vintage tubed amp. But I rarely will recommend it because there is a learning curve and maintenance issues with tubed amps you must be ready to deal with, not so much with tubed pre-amps.