2. amps-preamps
  3. 1192672864

Thinking of trying tubes...

Hello, everyone,

I've been a long time solid state guy, and I'm nowhere nere a dealer to take a listen for myself, so need some advice.

For a few years, I've used a Pass Labs X250 amplifier with a set of Dunlavy SC-IVs. I am also a guitarist, and have always used tube gear for my guitar playing--mainly a marshall for crunch and a fender twin for clean for those of you who know what they are. I have always felt that the tube sounds much more rich and present with the guitar stuff, but I know NOTHING about where to go or what to try for my audio system and would like some suggestions.

I can spend about 3500 or so and I'll go used because you get more for your audio dollar that way. Now, given what most of you know about the Pass sound, and the general relationship a powerhouse like that would have with the Dunlavys, any suggestions on where I might want to start?

If you would feel more comfortable, please feel free to email me!

Thanks all!

Roland
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ncarv
983 posts
 
I had the SC-IVa's a while back and ran them with VTL Deluxe 500 mono's -- a nice match. There's a pair of Deluxe 300's for sale here at $1800 obo and claimed to be in great shape. I don't think you could go wrong with those amps at that price.
nb_dude
21 posts
 
I agree with Tiger, I have had a couple tubed pre's as my intial ventures into "tubedom", for around 5 or 6 years and enjoyed them with 3 different sounding SS power amps and only recently switched to an all tubed set up (SET power amp and absolutely love that). However, I have heard a tubed pre (believe it was a Hovland) with an X250 and thought it was a really great sound...and that maybe a good way to try out that "tubed" sound though, try a pre first because although I have never owned one, every time I have an oportunity to hear Pass Lab amps I always thought they were excellent to my ears. Enjoy...
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rnbowers OP
6 posts
 
Hello again.

I guess I might mention that I've used a BAT VK 5i with the system for the past 4 years. Bought it here on the Gon in 2004 and haven't regretted it. I also know that preamps don't give you the same effect as a power amp. Just isn't the same ball of wax from an electrical standpoint.

I will also mention that I have no intention of selling the Pass amp--except maybe to upgrade it to a 350. I just would like to try my hand at the tube side to see where that gets me in sonic terms. Maybe I'll find it not to my taste, but I don't believe you can say one way or another until you try.

Thanks again,
Roland
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Hi Roland,
Just thought I'd throw in with Tiger and Nb_dude. You can usually find one of the cj premiers for a good price on audiogon.
joman
167 posts
 
The VTL 450 monoblocks was a good suggestion. I would suggest a BAT VK 75 that would mate well with your VK 5i and would be in your price range as well.
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