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Pre + Amplifier Recommendation

Hello All,

First let me say I have spent countless hours researching what may or may not be the right combo for me and my listening preferences - the reality is that there are so many options I am likely more confused now than before, though not from a lack of effort.

So, I have Dali Helicon 400's and listen primarily to rock / folk indie primarily, but do listen to most genres. I have a Cary SLI-80 with upgraded tubes and it sounds great, but lacks a bit of power when i want to turn it up and i am wondering if in addition to increased power i could move up the food chain a bit and get something even better, so long as better is not in the five digits.

I prefer tube sound to any solid state I've owned or heard to date, and my primary concern is being engaged in the music not hearing every last detail, thought that is neat as well.

Was thinking maybe a set of used Cary 805AE units, but fear they may not have enough power. VAC ? BAT ? Quicksilver ? Coincident ?

Or should I start over with new speakers as well? Daedalus Argos look pretty cool and are seemingly more efficient, may open up the options on amplification?

Look forward to your suggestions and thanks in advance.
juggernaut850

Showing 4 responses by zd542

zd542
5,339 posts
 
You need to go through the trouble of choosing your components. If you don't, you'll never be happy. Here's why:

"10-14-14: Mattmiller
I don't like low power tubes with high sensitivity speakers,the sound is not heavy or visceral enough for me."

"My experience is the polar opposite of what Mattmiller finds."

Its a matter of personal preference. Only you can make the decision.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"10-15-14: Juggernaut850

I completly understand the comments of using my own ears, and appreciate how something like audio can bring about two completely polar opposite opinions on the same subject since this is such a qualitative hobby. That said I value the opinions of those who have been down the road before in hopes of saving me a few miles of detours on my path.

Appreciate the responses guys.

Maybe speakers will be the next move..."

I understand that you want to get some opinions to point you in the right direction. Your approach, I think, is a little too vague and open ended. Now you are thinking about speakers. Asking this way, the only thing you'll get is a list of favorites, many of which will be polar opposites. What don't you like about your current speakers and where do you need to improve? What types of speakers don't you like? Is there a speaker you do like very much but its out of your price range? If so, maybe we can suggest a similar, less expensive, alternative.

The better the info you supply, the better the recommendations will be.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"10-17-14: Mattmiller
O that's not true....I listen to very simple acoustic to solo piano and jazz and rock and classical...name a classical musician from old and I have it on vinyl. My point is: That a lot of people will obtain very high quality gear/sound and they don't listen to it...they just don't listen past the 1st 10 watts. So I think they are really missing out on the true musical event. Thanks.

Matt M"

I'm not sure what you are saying here. If someone goes out and buys very high quality, expensive equipment,why wouldn't they listen to it? Most people aren't even aware high end audio exists.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Juggernaut850, keep in mind that the speaker/power relationship is not linear and works on a logarithmic scale. To achieve a 3db increase requires a double of amp power. So going from the 80w Cary to a different 100w tube amp will not solve the problem. That is an increase of less than 1db, and will have little to no effect on the underpowered problem."

For that to hold true in a real application, the amps would have to be built and measured exactly the same way. For example, 2 different 100 watt amps made by different companies will not put out the same amount of power. Also, there are other factors involved in volume than just doubling the power to get 3 db more.
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