2. amps-preamps
  3. 1143733243

solidstate system to single ended...should I?

I have no experience with low powered high end tube amps. Right now I am using a Karan Ka-i180 integrated amp and Merlin VSM-M speakers. The system sounds great, but I have the bug to try something completely differant. My system before the Karan was a Melos MAT-180 amp and Melos Maestro preamp. I like the Karan better. I tried, in the past, Conrad Johnson PV-10 preamp and GAS Ampzilla and enjoyed that warm sound. I realize that my speakers do not have the efficiency for low powered amps so they will need to be changed too.

My question is can anyone that went the same route (from solidstate to low powered amps) make some recomendations? I am considering the Dared preamp and maybe their amps and for speakers, I have no idea. My price is based on what I can get for my speakers and amp. I assume about $2500.00 for the speakers and $2000.00 for the amp/preamp.

I listen only to CD through an Eastsound CD-E5 player.
stereo

Showing 1 response by cmo

cmo
471 posts
 
I would look into ART Audio for the amp.... They may be a bit out of your price range (I think a used Carrisa usually sells for around 3k) but if you can stretch it a bit they are very good amps. There is a Wyetech Onyx' on Audiogone right now for about 3k and these are really nice amps too.

For the speakers...... Can you give us more info on what you like music/presentation wise? You might check out some of the 3a De Capo's, or some of the horns Audiogone user johnk sells.

My $.02

Chris
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