I don't know exactly what your budget is but if you can afford it the VTL MB-185 Signitures are a great pair of monoblocks. They put out either 220w or 125w depending on tetrode or triode. I leave mine set at the 220w level and never push them. The sound is fantastic. Prior to buying these I auditioned Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, BAT, Cary, and probably a few others, these were the best balance, for my speakers. I would suggest that you go to a dealer and demo the amp you are thinking of with Your brand and model of speaker, it makes a big difference.
Need tube amp suggestion VT100,MB-125,Cary V12
I just got my first taste of tubes and the wife and I just love them. I would like to purchase a tube amp to drive my Proac 1.5's. Currently they are being driven by an older Sonic Frontiers SFS40 that is a little bit underpowered (but not by much)
Problem is there are sooo many types of tubes and amps available that I don't know where to begin. I know that Audio Reasearch VT100 is a popular choice but I'm really drawn to the sound of the EL34's that I'm afraid that it may sound a bit more "transistor" having a differnt tube and circuit topoplogy.
The VTL MB125's are also in my price range but it seems that people think they don't have enough power. They MUST have more power than the SFS40, wouldn't they. I do like the idea of these amps because of the cage. Sorry but kids may be on the way soon.
I also simply love the look of the Cary V12 (but no cage), apart from having no cage how would this compare to theVTL's or ARC.
On the used market these products seem to run about the same price, but after hours of researching on these forums I can't seem to get any idea. There is no local ARC or VTL dealer and I wouldn't really want to bother anyone if I'm looking for used anyway.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
Problem is there are sooo many types of tubes and amps available that I don't know where to begin. I know that Audio Reasearch VT100 is a popular choice but I'm really drawn to the sound of the EL34's that I'm afraid that it may sound a bit more "transistor" having a differnt tube and circuit topoplogy.
The VTL MB125's are also in my price range but it seems that people think they don't have enough power. They MUST have more power than the SFS40, wouldn't they. I do like the idea of these amps because of the cage. Sorry but kids may be on the way soon.
I also simply love the look of the Cary V12 (but no cage), apart from having no cage how would this compare to theVTL's or ARC.
On the used market these products seem to run about the same price, but after hours of researching on these forums I can't seem to get any idea. There is no local ARC or VTL dealer and I wouldn't really want to bother anyone if I'm looking for used anyway.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
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