What don't you like about your McIntosh? Why do you want to move to tubes? The Vivid 1.5's have been characterized as clean-sounding speakers delivering masses of detail. If you are looking to inject a little warmth by introducing tubes then the Octave may not be what you are looking for, as it has often been characterized as having a more up-front sound that is vivid. Could be a little bright depending on your room and phono cartridge. In any case, would help to know what you are looking for when switching to a tube amp.
Picking a Tube integrated amp
Hey all. Trying to figure out my amp situation and am looking at a few integrated to upgrade to.
I currently have a McIntosh integrated and want to move to tubes. I have the vivid v1.5speakers and a Clearaudio Concept. Looking at the following:
—Primaluna Dialogue premium or HP.
—Audio Research VSi60
—Octave v40SE
Question...does the AR still hold up? It’s likely it will be a used model, but curious if it’s still competing with the others I listed. Any others to consider?
Thanks!
I currently have a McIntosh integrated and want to move to tubes. I have the vivid v1.5speakers and a Clearaudio Concept. Looking at the following:
—Primaluna Dialogue premium or HP.
—Audio Research VSi60
—Octave v40SE
Question...does the AR still hold up? It’s likely it will be a used model, but curious if it’s still competing with the others I listed. Any others to consider?
Thanks!