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Polk L100s - tube integrated recommendation

 

I have the L100s and very much enjoy them with SS. After 30years of SS I want to try tubes and of my 4 speakers sets I want to try the L100s with tubes.

Ken (Stereophile reviewer) wrote about how well the Cary SLI80HS works with the L100s, however, since this will be my entry into tubes I want to try something a little more affordable (<$3000 new). Can anyone suggest FROM EXPERIENCE a tube integrated that work well? Thanks.

lmartinez_02170

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
8,822 posts
 

You really need to share what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for with switching to a tube integrated as their sound characteristics vary greatly.  Also, would you be open to a hybrid tube/SS design or do you want a pure tube amp?

soix
8,822 posts
 

Your speakers are rated at 85.5 dB and dip at least down to 3 Ohms so you’ll need more power than the 88ia can provide, and it’s also the reason I asked if you’d be open to a hybrid amp.  I’d recommend at least 70Wpc, and at your price new that’s gonna be a tough ask for a tube integrated, and the CM is one of the few that could work.  There is an open-box Unison Unico Due that uses a tube input stage and solid state output that provides 100Wpc and is being offered at $2900 that is $1100 off retail and strikes me as a good deal and a good fit for what you’re looking for.  Best of luck. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/364023473071

soix
8,822 posts
 

The CM and Unico Due are both great amps so I’d suggest reading the reviews and see which meets more with your tastes.  Also, if the ‘pile found the Cary worked well in Triode mode maybe I’m just wrong and maybe the Line Magnetic should still be in play — certainly great amps for the $.  Please let us know whatever you end up doing as I’m sure the results will be enlightening. 

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