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SS vs. Tubes with Vandersteen 2ce sig II

Hello everyone,
I have been driving my Vandersteen 2ce Signature IIs with tube integrateds since I bought them 4 years ago. My current amp is a PrimaLuna Dialog HP Premium with the stock EL34s and NOS Ciftes in the preamp section. I am searching for a bit more clarity, especially in the mids. I would consider moving to a solid state power amp and either tube or ss preamp if it would provide the clarity I am looking for (and if I could find a buyer for my PL). Wondering if anyone out there has made the move from tube integrated to solid state power amp with their Vandys, and what sonic differences you noticed. I have heard good reports about Ayre and Bryston, for example, and have seen several of each for sale here (looking at used gear only). My room is sizeable and multipurpose--open floor plan, with 15' ceilings. Listening position is about 7' from the speakers, which are pulled out about 3 feet from the back wall.

Thanks.

Vandersteen 2ce Signature II, PrimaLuna Dialog Premium, VPI Prime, Hana SH, SimAudio Moon 110 lp with outboard power supply, Jolida 100A, Auralic Altair, Mapleshade Golden Helix (double runs in biwire configuration), various interconnects (Blue Jeans, Signal, Heartland), GIK Acoustics room treatments.
eskelinfan

Showing 4 responses by decooney

decooney
2,334 posts
 
@eskelinfan    
If you do go the different-amp route, and want to stay with tube (resale yours for some reason) and want fewer output tubes to deal with, the other option to mention is Quicksilver Audio. Vandersteen and QS are 1hr away from each other. Lots of people with Vandys run QS amps too. The Mono 120s with KT150 tubes, gives fewer KT150s to deal with, however you'd still need a preamp to run with the mono tube amps. QS Linestage or something.  Good luck on the decisions.   
decooney
2,334 posts
 
@eskelinfan
Another thought. Check with Upscale. Rather than buying another amplifier, the "Premium" model can roll KT150 tubes right? https://www.primaluna-usa.com/tube-rolling-legacy

Agoners here liking results in their PL DLP, thread, 30th post down: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/has-anyone-compared-k150-tubes-and-the-stock-el34s-in-primalu...

CLIP:

smrex13
07-17-2017 12:07pm  I just realized that I hadn’t followed up. The KT150s are really amazing. I have been using them for a few weeks, and I just keep smiling. They provided both power and finesse with a great soundstage. Nice bass, and an amazing midrange. Very coherent from top to bottom. Highly recommended. Scott

decooney
2,334 posts
 
Do both. I tried nice Cifte’ u7 input tubes in a different amp and was underwhelmed. The Vandy 2ce Signature will benefit from added power, a buddy tried my former EL34 amp (12 output tubes) with them. A little too smoothed over. A quad of KT150s in an amplifier with proper transformers and plate voltage to drive them properly is a different type of power, dynamics, and clarity compared to those particular laid over EL34s that come stock in those PL amps, fwiw.
decooney
2,334 posts
 

@eskelinfan
He also talked to me about the problems in pairing tube preamps with ss power amps.

Sometimes I rotate in different class A/AB SS amps with my own 6sn7 based tube preamp just to remember where I came from and revisit every once in while. The hybrid tube-pre and ss-amp approach can sound more lush and open at first, yet it still has that two dimensional sound for my ears. While I do like the hybrid approach for a bit, then put any of the tube amps back into play, and the layered three dimensional sound and more relaxed sound stage with all-tube returns. The choice also depends on what type of presentation you are looking for, and once you go back and forth a few times, you’ll get a better idea on what you prefer. 
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