2. amps-preamps
  3. 193879-203577

Tube amp/ preamp advice

Hi everyone, I have bene listening to a Technics 1200 SL with a MM Nagaoka 110 cart for a number of years now. Primarily, I listen to rock, hip hop, electronic and jazz.

I am a purist at heart, and have always longed for the analog qualities of a tube amp and preamp. Looking to drive a set of la scalas with a woofer in tow. The space I will be moving my setup to is a loft above a 2800 square foot garage, so the la scalas seem like a good choice to really push some decibels.

Currently I am playing my technics through a pioneer receiver (cringe), however I am looking to go to a purely tube setup - I love the way my tube guitar amp sounds - its lively and warm qualities.

I'm here to ask for recommendations on a tube amp/ preamp config. I have been researching this for weeks and the amount of information/ selections are daunting. I keep jumping back and forth between integrated amps like the Linear Tube Audio, or MA352 but I really don't think an integrated is a future proof solution. I'm concerned that I will want more flexibility and be trapped with the integrated amps components.

Thank you for any suggestions

John 

mulboost

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,767 posts
 

35wpc seems a bit low to me in that large space

McIntosh MC275 would give you 2 x 75wpc with 4/8/16 ohm taps (what impedance are your LaScala?

future option for a second for a pair of 150 wpc mono blocks, (in case you change to less efficient speakers some day) but no 16 ohms, bridged options become 2,4,8 ohm taps

MC275 listed here, asking $2,900

MC275 LE 50th anniversary limited edition 

Tube Preamp:

Staying vintage, leaves you plenty to get a McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp, I love my MX110z, if it died, I would replace it without hesitation, one of the reasons is it's wonderful sounding MM Phono Inputs 1 and 2. Only a SUT needed to use LOMC, retain sound of the MX110z's phono.

I had Audio Classics overhaul my MX110z, including all new gold plated  RCA Jacks

MX110z, was serviced by Richard Modafferi at Audio Classics

https://www.audioclassics.com/mods

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,767 posts
 

I know you and I want separates, but consider Preamp AND Integrated for volume control.

One advantage of an integrated is they are typically newer with remote volume, that is why I bought my Cayin Integrated Tube Amp, so I could use my Vintage Full Featured mx110z tube tuner/preamp with no remote control, leave the mx110z volume at 12 o’clock, and use the Integrated’s remote volume for more or less.

To get remote balance, I added a Remote Line Controller, Chase RLC-1, it also has remote volume and mute (tone controls, 4 line inputs, ...): so I could have gone with a single or pair of MC275’s, any Vintage Tube Amp with no remote.

this SOLD listing shows it well

You MUST have the remote, no controls on the unit, 

I also use one in my Garage/Shop system thru the adapter loop of my Vintage Yamaha Receiver so I have remote mute and volume when working on projects. Over many years, in all 3 of my systems: No one has ever been able to tell if it is in or out, you silently get the benefit of it’s features. 

Chase RLC-1 also has automatic/progressive bass boost for very low volume listening.

It’s sitting on top of a Sony Front Loading Drawer type FL-1 TT which I got so I could fit more legacy components in the stack below it: 8 Track, Dual Cassette; CD Changer

 

 

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