New to tubes

Thanks for starting this thread Bfrank. I was going to start one almost identical to it. I too have some Monitor Silvers, though mine are the 9i set, just taller and a little deeper on the freq response (30Hz-25k I believe is their range). I have been using them with a B&K ref20/Sunfire Theater Grand for 6 or 7 years now. But they are getting an upgrade and moving to greener pastures since I have a full HT set hooked to the Sunfire now.

I am only beginning my research, but I like the idea of tubes. I think it would be fun to have a voltmeter and bias tubes every 3 to 6 weeks. Call me a kook. I really like the idea of experimenting with multiple different tube brands and discover which sound I like best. I listen to a pretty eclectic mix of music myself. A lot of British rock, indie rock, some classic American rock, some classical, some jazz, some hip hop, a tiny bit of rap, even a touch of country (Lucinda Williams is a badass). I am not sure a tube setup will be the best setup for a rock n roller, but the more jazz I buy (Ellington, Davis, Bassie, Adderly and Mony are my favorites atm) the more I buy, lol.

I have looked at and read about integrateds, separates, SS pre with tube amp, tube pre with SS amp (which seems like a nice balance), and even a Tube integrated with pre-outs to a SS amp to Bi-wire my 9is. And this is all just for pre/amp solutions. I haven't even scratched the surface of a source unit yet. I still have to decide if SACD and DVD-A are worth putting money into (Modded Oppo?), or if I just want a great redbook player (leaning toward MF A5 if so).

So, I would love to hear from you on impressions of the Monitors through a tube setup. It would help me better prepare myself for what I want to look at next. And anyone else here that wants to make suggestions to a mostly rock listener (I would guess ~80%), I am all ears. Thanks.

Hmm, this is all good stuff. Again, I am glad a found someone else looking to do what I am looking to do with effectively the same speaker. I agree, I think the Silvers are a remarkable little speaker, especially for the price I paid. In fact, at my old house, I didn't find them bright or harsh in the least. But they are just a little fatiguing now, and I want to rectify that. :D

I am now looking at a Cary Sli80, Jolida 1000, or a VAC Avatar, all of which are right in the same price range (Around 2K). I love the look of Mac gear, but I don't know a $4000 MA2275 could be twice as good as the units I am looking at, and ultimately I think I would be buying for aesthetics. On the SS side of things, I would consider a MF A5, Creek Destiny, Naim, Chord... the usual suspects.

I have heard nothing but great things about VAC and the Avatar, so it is hitting the top of the list right now. It supposedly deals very well with any kind of music, which is important to me, since I listen to almost everything and a great deal of what I listen to is rock. Anyone with knowledge or experience with any of the above that wants to continue giving advice/suggestions I am still all ears. And that includes suggestions on source, ICs, cables, etc. Thanks again!

Thanks for the response curve and the info on Vman71. I think I might try and get in contact with him. I am hoping to go down to Indianapolis at the end of the week and look at some integrated tube amps in my price range. I know it won't be my house/speakers/etc, but it should give me a better idea how tubes deal with my listening material. I may end up deciding to go with a tube pre-amp and SS amplifier, or even a tube integrated with pre-outs for a bi-amp setup. Haven't come to any conclusions yet. As long as I get detail, soundstage, great sonic placement and no fatigue I will be thrilled. :)