I purchased a Wadia 861 (when my transport died) with the intent to connect directly to a Classe CA400 (removing my Classe DAC..). With the 861, the transients and detail were really phenomenal but I lost some of the midrange and sweet vocals. I considered auditioning some tube amps, but instead, I had the opportunity to auditioned a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 with a single pair of NOS seimens 7308 tube upgrades and the midrange was better than I have ever heard before. So much so, that I didn't dare change a thing. Just wrote a check for the Line 3...and every evening when I listen to music, I still get goose bumps on the vocals! The exact sound I was looking for! Happy Listening...Kent
New To Tubes & Direct Wadia to Tube Amp
I currently run a Wadia 850 direct to a Jeff Rowland Model 2, with balanced XLR interconnects. I have been thinking about purchasing a tube amp to check out the differences. I would greatly appreciate some advice on the following questions: (1) Do you recommend against a direct Wadia 850 to tube amp connection, where the tube amp is unlikely to be balanced? (2) Do you think there will be an improvement in sound with a tube amp over the Jeff Rowland Model 2, assuming a good quality amp? (3) What amps do you recommend. I have been considering everything from a used Audio Prism Debut to Quicksilver Silver 60 Monos, to the Kora Jupiter to the Audio Research V100MKII, to Sound Valve, to the Audio Electronic Supply Superamp. As you can see, I am all over the board and lost, having absolutely no experience with tubes. (4) What are your thoughts on tube mono amps versus stereo amps? (5) Is auto bias adjustment a good thing or a bad thing? My speakers are fairly efficient at 90db / 8 ohms/ I greatly appreciate your input.