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 soix

soix
10,009 posts
 

For sound characteristics, my preference is the warm rich sound of tubes, and would prefer to have a setup that doesn't compromise in bass.

I wouldn’t recommend LTA as they have a more neutral sound as tubes go and not really warm if that’s what you’re looking for.   Maybe McIntosh, VAC, Zesto, Prima Luna, Shindo, Conrad Johnson, etc.  Best of luck. 

soix
10,009 posts
 

What specific sound characteristics are you looking for (more warm or neutral, etc.) and are most important to you as this will really help narrow things down, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?

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