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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
8 responses Add your response
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
should I go for a tube amp or an integrated-amp?

I don't really understand what you are asking.An integrated amp can be tube,solid state or hybrid(combination of both).Maybe you mean a tube power amp or a tube integrated?Then again,maybe I'm just a dumb ass!!
grinnell
1,095 posts
 
When we use my wife Ipod through my tube Primaluna Int Amp it sounds great. When we hook it up to a friend SS receiver not so good.
albireo13 OP
78 posts
 
Grinnell, which PL do you have?

Rob
mixn4him
35 posts
 
You want an integrated amp so you are not using the volume control in the mac to adjust the system volume.
albireo13 OP
78 posts
 
Is it best to keep the iTunes volume maxed out ... and use an int for volume control?
mb9061
137 posts
 
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.
grinnell
1,095 posts
 
We have a PL2, easy to use, low maintainance
albireo13 OP
78 posts
 
Well, went ahead and ordered a Cayin A-50T! Can't wait for iti to show up.
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