Tube amp for KEF Reference 3s

Thanks so much.  I'll begin looking on Agon for one of these.  Any other ideas?

Thanks  nycjlee.  It is interesting that the dealer from whom I purchased the Ref 3s thought that tube amps are a better match for the KEFs, but he sells VAC so perhaps in that price range he is correct.  I have always been a SS guy mostly out of convenience but thought that the KEFs, given their neutral tone, might benefit from tubes.  

My price range fortunately is not limited, but before I delve into an expensive amp (SS or tube) north of 10k I thought a less expensive trial of a tube amp with a new DAC (my Modwright has the built-in DAC) made sense.  For now I'd like to keep it in the 2-3k range new or used.

Thanks theothergreg.  I use a KEF R series subwoofer with the 3s and this really helps with bass.  I have heard mixed things about the Mcintosh gear (mostly from my dealer who does not think highly of it-of course he only deals with "higher end" gear like VAC and Zesto so this may be why), but have never listened myself.  The area where I live is remote from any high end dealers so I am at a distinct disadvantage in accessing gear to demo, especially in home.  I like the idea of the Rogue in that I can buy new, it is made in USA, and from what I can tell I could probably resell it as there seem to be few in Agon for resale (which I take to be a good sign, assuming there are a good number of units out there in use).

mb1audio02:  I would disagree with you in that while a Mustang may not be a Corvette (which is not a Porsche), both are sports cars such that at least you can get a feel for the ride!

If anyone has thoughts on the EAR amps that are currently on Agon, these might be options for me.  

Anyone have thoughts on the EAR 890 for sale on Agon?

Thanks bdp24.  My review of prior posts suggests the customer service from the owner/designer might not be optimal.  Anyone else have any experience with this tube amp or others that might be a good match for my KEFs?

Thanks kalali.  I'll probably try and go with a new tube amp in the 2k price range that is self biasing (don't want to mess with that) and see where it takes me.  Sounds like I have Rogue, Primaluna, Music Reference to look for. Any other considerations?

Thanks theothergreg.  You raise a good point regarding the preamp.  My thought was to either get a tube integrated or to use my Modwright in the interim as a preamp and then move to a tube preamp or a DAC/pre combo.  Any thoughts on this?

Thanks quincy. I am old enough to remember when Conrad Johnson was THE tube equipment to buy. Good to know it is still being used successfully, particularly in this setting. I’ll keep my eyes (and ears) open!

As to my choice of the Ref 3s, I have been a KEF fanboy for a few years now-I own X300As, LS 50s, and had the R700 before moving up to the Reference series. Not sexy speakers but very neutral and not fatiguing in any way.

Thanks for the input.  I hadn't considered simply interposing a tube preamp and using my Modwright as an amp only.  Perhaps I should consider this first?

Any thoughts on EAR gear?  There is a used EAR line stage preamp currently available-maybe a good idea?

Not at all.  I am leaning towards the integrated tube idea, which gives me some flexibility.  I am on the lookout-there was a Rogue Integrated on Agon briefly yesterday but it went quickly-thinking that perhaps a new one might make sense-2500 it seems for the one you recommended.

theothergreg: you are correct, I am definitely scattered in my approach.  I am exploring ideas and my plan is to get to a KEF dealer to try out some tube electronics, but wanted some suggestions before I engage a dealer (mine is 3000 miles away in Southern California). 

Autobrian: thanks for the suggestion.  Another consideration from a fellow KEF owner.

theothergreg, I should say that I have a good relationship with my dealer, from whom I have purchased multiple pieces of gear over the past 3-4 years, including my Modwright, KEFs x 3, VPI Traveler (which I dislike and would never purchase another VPI product, but that relates to my indirect experience with VPI and is a story for another time), Musical Surroundings Phono preamp, and Nurprime Amos that I use for my desktop systems (and like a lot for that).  It is just that as you know every dealer has his/her biases and limitations as regards component matching.  I have visited my dealer in person twice, most recently to purchase the Ref 3s, which were demoed with high end VAC electronics, and my dealer while selling some solid state gear (Constellation, Rowland, Bryston) is clearly more of an analog/tube guy.

I agree that the decision to purchase gear must incorporate some consideration of reliability and customer service, which is why I almost always purchase new (and I fortunately can afford to do so).  While I don't doubt that audiobrian has found a great match with the Audio Mirrors, I would prefer to stick with more mainstream brands-I am a set it and forget type, which is in part why I have never considered tubes previously.  However, I feel like I am missing some warmth in the system which is pleasant but not all that engaging.

Thanks theothergreg.  As with most things audiophile, the decision to purchase the KEF Ref 3s was in part logical and part emotional.  I had R700s which I  liked but the Ref 3s came available as demos from my dealer about 1 year ago, and as I was traveling to southern California on business anyway, I visited him and demoed them with VAC Statement amp/preamp, Aurender server, hi-end turntable (can't remember which one) and I decided to go for it as they were a good deal and I figured I would grow into them.  He also played the system through Magico's (I think they were Ms?, which was pretty mind-blowing).  My Modwright is/was easily able to power the KEFs and overall I have been happy with the system, although I definitely need to upgrade the VPI setup which is very limited.

The reason not to dive into new VAC hardware at present is that the space where I have my setup, an office which has corner and wall treatments from GIK that I think have definitely helped the sound, is not ideal and I don't think there is much to gain with the present setup given the space limitations, exposed ceiling, windows, etc.  I have spent some time tweaking speaker placement and I think I am set with this. My interconnects and speaker cables are Nordost Red Dawn (again from my dealer).  My thought was that if I could enhance the warmth of the sound with used tube gear that this would be a relatively inexpensive way to test the water, and when in 4 years I move the system to a dedicated listening room in my home (my job is a contracted one which expires in 4 years) that would be the time to try and spend some serious money on a high end front end.   Given the way technology changes, spending north of 10k for a high end front end at present, when it can't really shine, is probably not the best way to go about this-therefore I thought a 2-3 k interim investment would be enjoyable if not the ultimate (and hopefully final) system.

I am completely with you on the auto biasing concept, which it sounds like VAC offers-not sure if there are other systems that do this.  After thinking this through, perhaps a VAC preamp, maybe used, might be a relatively inexpensive way to tweak the system and see if this is the proper direction, or if ultimately I need to stick with high-end SS gear like ML, Pass, Boulder, etc.

I am also unclear on how to go about the digital part of the setup.  Now that MQA-encoded streaming is available from Tidal, and if I bypass the pre/DAC part of my Modwright by using a tube amp, how do I deal with the streaming/DAC part of my setup?  My Auralic is simply a bridge and if I went to a tube preamp I would need to figure a way to play my digital files through another means.

If you don't mind, are you in northern or southern California?  I visit friends in the bay area and soCal every so often and would love to meet up with you if possible. Thanks for sharing your thoughts/experience with me.

Thanks theothergreg. I’ll probably get back in touch with my dealer and see if he can help me move in the VAC direction albeit slowly.  Not sure if I can use the DAC part of the Modwright-probably easier to reconfigure the digital part of the system as well and sell the Modwright eventually.

bdp24, thanks for the suggestion.