2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137495885

recommendations for starting system

Hello,

I am looking to buy a tube amp and speakers to match. Our living room is fairly compact (around 14m2) so obviously something small is fine. I tested several amps already (HK970, Cambridge 640, Opera a100 and m100plus) with Amphion Speakers, both ION and Helium2 (which are almost 600usd cheaper here than in the US). I pretty much think that tube is the way to go, as the sound difference between the more "tube like" a100 and the m100 was extremely noticable and desirable. I only have at most 2000usd but more realistilly closer to the 1000usd end.

It is quite annoying because at each of the three shops Ive been to, the owners have said completely conflicting opinions on the amps listed above. Most of the reviews Ive read from the net have been the same. It either sucks or is really great.

I live in Finland so prices tend to be higher here because of taxes, however, because I am originally american and have a stepdown convertor for my keyboards, I can buy in the US and bring back here with me.

My musical tastes are very broad, but I tend to like more avantgard music than pop and generally listen to somewhat lofi rock, highly polished rock like steely dan, late 60's expressionist jazz, avantgard ambient/classical and leftfield hiphop, so I guess I am looking for an amp that is both detailed and has a warm sound that enveloped the listener instead of overwhelming like many solid states do.

So if anyone can suggest a pair of bookshelf speakers paired with a tube amp based of the above for around 1500usd or so, that would be great.

Thanks
Nathan
someguy

Showing 1 response by pbb

pbb
1,140 posts
 
Nathan, I don't want to rain on your parade, but if you are starting out I would stick to a good quality transistor integrated amp, a good source and proper inexpensive speakers and avoid the high cost and more troublesone nature of tube equipment. I realize that there is a resurgence in tube amps and that some are available at very resonable prices, but I simply would not start with tubes. I am sure I will get stoned for saying this, but I never ran in any popularity contest.

Good luck and if you buy used, be very careful. From what I heard at the last audio show I attended, I would recommend Rega and EPOS speakers, but there are many brands that offer a great price/performance ratio.
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