Hi all,
Thank you *so* much for your responses, gives me different directions to consider.
A few things:
1. I have never owned a tube amplifier before. The way I understand tubes (I am quite ignorant on the subject, just by reading) is that they tend to run super hot, slow, require maintenance and probably not a good fit for home theater, which is what I use my system most for.
2. When I listen to music I never use my sub. I am delighted by the bass the 802's produce.
3. the Emotivas are definitely a different league, maybe can be tagged as "entry level" amps which are affordable. I think that was was said here is true: they do sound slightly too bright and "harsh". I sometimes feel like I wish I could "open up" that sound a bit more, even in movies, if it makes sense.
4. The Blue Circle AG-8000 look like a super-complex setup, something that is probably an overkill for me. Do they run very hot? Will they pair nicely with the Marantz? (I would hate to replace it, paid 4K for it quite recently). Does it make sense to use such gear for movies?
5. My budget is limited, I can spend up to 8K, given that I will be selling my 2 Emotivas to offset the price a little.
Again, thank you all very much, your insights are very helpful. I want to make a purchase that will last a few years, so want to make the right decision.
Thank you *so* much for your responses, gives me different directions to consider.
A few things:
1. I have never owned a tube amplifier before. The way I understand tubes (I am quite ignorant on the subject, just by reading) is that they tend to run super hot, slow, require maintenance and probably not a good fit for home theater, which is what I use my system most for.
2. When I listen to music I never use my sub. I am delighted by the bass the 802's produce.
3. the Emotivas are definitely a different league, maybe can be tagged as "entry level" amps which are affordable. I think that was was said here is true: they do sound slightly too bright and "harsh". I sometimes feel like I wish I could "open up" that sound a bit more, even in movies, if it makes sense.
4. The Blue Circle AG-8000 look like a super-complex setup, something that is probably an overkill for me. Do they run very hot? Will they pair nicely with the Marantz? (I would hate to replace it, paid 4K for it quite recently). Does it make sense to use such gear for movies?
5. My budget is limited, I can spend up to 8K, given that I will be selling my 2 Emotivas to offset the price a little.
Again, thank you all very much, your insights are very helpful. I want to make a purchase that will last a few years, so want to make the right decision.