tube amp or int for digital audio?


I have a classic Marantz 2250b receiver hooked up to my iMAC. It is driving some Energy RC-minis as our bedroom system. We use it for playing CDs, iTunes, internet radio, and watching movies.

I'm thinking of replacing the Marantz with a tube amp. I just want to try tubes! We listen to jazz, classical, new age, and some rock ... modest output levels.
Something >20 w/ch should work for us.

Since it's pretty much a 1-input system, should I go for a tube amp or an integrated-amp?

I love the look of Jolida, Cayin, Prima Luna, etc ... but have yet to listen to any.

Thx,
Rob
albireo13

Showing 1 response by mb9061

That question (volume control) is debatable like everything else. Most will tell you yes (use a preamp) but I used the Itunes volume on a mac with several different DACs w/o any noticeable difference in performance. Even now with a preamp in my setup I still use my Ipod touch to "fine tune" the volume instead of messing with my preamp volume. My setup is fairly resolving and I can't really tell a difference.