2. amps-preamps
  3. 1092948610

Moving from SS to tube system

Could someone recommend a pair of monoblock tube? I need to upgrade my system to get better soundstage. I allocate my system budget of about 2000 for a pair of pre-owned monoblock tube. I don't really need monoblock but I though might as well going with something for the long run.

The following are advertised on Audiogon that I am considering:

Rogue Magnum M120 (I heard they can be noisy and hot)
Quad II - Forty amp (A little low in power)
Audio Research Classic M100 (Age could be a problem)
VTL Delux 140 (Age)

These are just a few. I need decent power with at least 60W or more since I am also looking to purchase a full range pair of speakers.
lvb
s23chang
619 posts
 
Lvb,
My recommendation is get the speakers you like first and then buy the amp that's capable of drivng it. For all you know you might end up with 94db speakers and fall in love with low power amp sound. On the other hand, you might like power hungry speakers for its dynamic and punch. Either high or low efficiency speakers gives you good sound stage. Take your pick
jond's avatar
jond
5,706 posts
 
Lvb,
I would have to say that my Cary 300b's are neutral and well-extended in the treble and not dull at all. It may of course be a relative thing, if you're used to bright and edgy solid state perhaps you might think the treble dull, but even then I doubt it. In the end though the best advice, as always, is to listen for yourself. Good luck!
lvb OP
4 posts
 
After doing some on-line research, I think I can narrow down to these: Rogue Magnum M120 and AES Sixpacs.

Any thoughts?
killerpiglet
374 posts
 
I had the 120's for two years, and was very happy with them. I did not experience any heat issues (I live in Miami) other than when the amps were new. You can run them with 6550's, KT88's, KT90's and el34 so there's plenty of opportunity for tube rollin'.

They provided plenty of power (~90 dB speakers). A plus for the Rogues is that if you like them you can always send them in to Rogue for upgrade to 150's, as I did.

Another plus, and not one to be undervalued, is the excellent support you will receive from Mark'O and Mark W.

KP
mijknarf
266 posts
 
A few words regarding the AES Sixpacs... it is true that the EL34 tubes promote the mids, however, I have to believe there is some system/room dependency that accentuate the frequency extreems, not to mention personal taste (this is why home auditions are absolute key). Personally, I couldn't be happier with my highs in my system using the Sixpacs (with upgraded EH EL34s). Cymbals sound "life-like", I can hear the "tap" of the drumstick to the cymbal before I hear the cymbal. Just a few thought to try to help, good luck.
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