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Solid state or tube what to do??

My system is Arcam A85 DIVA, Quad 12L speakers, NAD 521i CDP, Audioquest interconnects, and Type 4 Speaker cables. I purchased the Arcam 7 months ago but now have the itch to go tube. I have the option of trading my Arcam for a Cayin TA-30 that is fully modded except for the Auricaps. Also included are 2 sets of Svetlana tubes (one pair already on board) and the others to sweeten the deal. Am I making a bad move here by doing a straight trade or should I take the chance. I have no way of auditioning the Cayin as the owner is several hundred miles away. Being new to tube, what would I be losing by giving up my Arcam and/or gaining by getting the Cayin. Also, the little Quads are 6ohms. Could this cause a problem for the Cayin?
butterscotchmusic

Showing 2 responses by kehut

kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Hey Randy..Congratulations on the Cayin amp. There is something indeed wonderful about a well designed and executed tube amp that just sounds so right. I did the same last year after downsizing from a 250W Plinius SA 250 monster amp to a little Manley Stingray integrated. The level of musicality went up so drastically. It was amazing.

Best of luck and enjoy your Cayin amp!...Ken
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
My recommendation is to throw a few tubes in the mix somewhere. The Cayin at 30 watts should be fine here, unless your head banging to metal or like it loud.

I can also highly recommend the Manley Stingray if your budget allows ( <1500. used) then you can build around it later on when your ready to upgrade other components. This amp is awesome and will rock and boggie! and has 5 ohm output which is perfect for your quads. Just MO.--Ken
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