Tomyran is dead on and in fact describes my journey almost to a tee. I was in a similar situation, using a Bryston B-60 integrated, tried using it as a preamp with a c-j Premiere 11A, got a tubed preamp, went to an Air Tight ATM-1 PP amp, and then got to where I am now Cary 300B monos. It was a process I wouldn't trade for anything I learned something new with each different amp. I would suggest picking up something used that's a good deal, that way you can try it and then just resell it or trade it if it doesn't suit you. I love to trade and each of those amp changes I described was the result of an even swap, so I've really lost nothing for my efforts. Always remember this, the journey is just as important as the destination so don't get frustrated, enjoy yourself.
should i do tube?
so i have a few grand to spend. you can check out my system, but basically it's an analog front end. im currently using a sim i-5 integrated, but cancelling out the pre section by using a bottlehead foreplay pre, which makes a very nice difference. question is, should i just go to pure tubes. the latest audio advisor catalog has 2 amps which sound very interesting, the antique sound lab aq-1001dt integrated, and the mgsi 15 dt integrated which is set. let me be clear here...things sound very good as is. but im intrigued about using all tubes. and the 1001dt especially interests me cause it's 50 wpc and has a remote, and seemingly very easy bias adjustment, which i really want. so all opinions would be very appreciated here. and if these amps could be bettered in a similiar price range, please chime in.
thanks all...
thanks all...