Tube amp for Sourcepoint 8?


My Sourcepoint 8s are breaking in nicely...loving them so far (and boy did they need break-in!). I have them paired with an Exposure 3510 integrated, which sounds wonderful - the holography and bass quality are completely addictive. But I do notice a slight dryness in the upper mids, and I'm wondering if a tube amp might be helpful here. Does anyone have direct experience with SP8s combined with tube amps? Only looking for people who have actually heard them in person this way (not on YouTube). Separates are not an option for me...looking for an integrated solution. Any insights appreciated. Thanks!

mdemaio

Showing 7 responses by mdemaio

Thanks Bojack…Quicksilver gear is great, but I’m looking for an integrated.  No space in my NYC apartment for monos and a pre. 

Thanks guys..I appreciate the comments. I've read the reviews and seen the numbers, but that doesn't always tell the whole story. That's why I'm hoping to hear from someone who has actually heard the speakers in situ with a tube amp. 

As for loudness, in my current set up the volume pot is at less than half and it's more than I can handle...I can't imagine volume would be an issue with a push-pull tube amp in the 30+ watt range, at least for the way I listen. 

Yes, I rarely listen above 70-75 DB. I'm not looking to peel the paint off the walls, but  ideally I would like to add some body and texture without losing control in the bottom end. 

BTW, have you heard the Quicksilvers with the Sourcepoints, or are you making an educated guess based on specs or similar pairings?

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses, guys. 

Soix, we are very much aligned - the two amps that have risen to the top of the  consideration set so far have been the Cronus ("Dark" version) and the Unison Unico Nuovo (or Due). Just not sure how much of a step up they are from the 3510. I'm going to give the speakers another 100+ hours before I think about this at greater depth. 

Atmosphere, I have my dad's ST70 in storage. I had upgraded it with Curcio mods a while back, so it's a little less euphonic than the original (which works in my favor here). I wouldn't want a 50+ year old amp to be my main rig, but at least it can give me a starting point for differences. It's more likely that I'd have better sonic luck with a KT88-based amp than with the EL34s of the ST70, but I can at least contrast. 

Thanks again!

Thanks, Doyle. I love the Volti stuff - I got to hear a pair of Vittoras a few years ago at Rocky Mountain and was floored (that's where I first heard the Border Patrol DAC, which someone will pry from my cold, dead hands;).

I've always. been intrigued by the Margules. The 10s are a little more fussy in terms of pairing than are the 10s, but still manageable, I think, for either of the amps you mentioned. I appreciate the suggestions! 

Thanks Atmasphere. I've really only kept the ST70 for sentimental reasons (my dad built it when I was in utero). It sounds great, but runs hot, needs to be biased frequently, is cosmetically OK but not particularly beautiful, and most of all I don't have space for an amp and preamp. So it's fine for what it is, but it's not the long-term answer.