Tube amp rough guidance sought
I suspect the NAD amp is part of the problem, but I don't know that particular NAD. A tube amp would probably help to tame one of the biggest problems of the N805's, those "sizzling" tweeters, but then the 805's also like a fair amount of power. What's your budget? "selling all that crap and starting over" might be the best, if you can afford it. And if you want to use tubes, pick tube-friendly speakers. BTW, I bought used N805's once, & didn't even like them enough to use in an office system. |
My budget is variable but I'd prefer to come out even certainly not invest a ton more. Perhaps $1-2k more than what it's worth now but I'm not that interested in a major investment. As far as the room it's in now, it's probably 15' x 45' with a partial wall that breaks it into 15x30 and 15x15, give or take. As far as what I like in the way of sound, if it makes sense, I like energetic and warm sound, rich and full, and I am not a fan of loose or heavy hitting bass nor shrill highs. I find that the 805s are a bit shrill until they get turned up and then it balances out better... Any recommendations for hifi shops to visit in the San Francisco Bay area to start listening and learning more? I appreciate the advice... just trying to learn what I can and get headed in the right direction :) |
The room is way to big for the 805s. My thinking is that you need a much larger speaker a floor stander and a big amp to power them. Taken your pick nSS or tubes. Ilove tube gear and most of my equipment is tube powered. I don't do it for the syrupy slow sound of the old tube amps I do it for the crystaline halographic sound whic is often said to be magical and I agree. Get a big Atmaspere amp from Ralph and have Duke build you speakers that will have sifficient bass. The investment will be substantial but magic doesn't come cheap! |
Thanks for opinions and thoughts offered! I am leery of buying speakers based on matching this room as it's a rental, though I'm not leery of buying speakers based on improved sound, so we'll see what is in the cards. I guess the next step is to visit some dealers and try some various amps with and without my 805's. My thoughts are to check out Rogue Tempest III and Prima Luna Prologue Premium Integrated amps at local shops. Any comments on those options or others in the price range that I shouldn't miss? Any comments on my sub - a ~10-12 years old Paradigm Servo 15? |
Antshrike, you would not be buying speakers for the room, you would be buying speakers to match to the amp. If you have a tube amp in mind a speaker that is more efficient would be a good thing whether you move or not. Duke at Audiokinesis makes speakers that are easy for tube amps to drive and they are reasonably priced as well as musical and revealing. Most of his models play good bass too- you may find that you don't need the sub. BTW here's a link that talks about some things that relate directly to matching amps and speakers: http://www.atma-sphere.com/Resources/Paradigms_in_Amplifier_Design.php |
