2. amps-preamps
  3. 1354921853

Tube Monoblocks in the 5-7K Range

Looking at purchasing a new pair of tube monoblocks to drive a pair of 90 db hybrid electrostatics that I'm now purchasing and would love some recommendations. I've got my eyes on either the Carver Cherry 180's or the Primaluna DiaLogue Sevens, so if anyone has compared these two it would be appreciated, and I am open to other suggestions.

I listen to a variety of music, tending towards a lot of classical string music(20th Century British) and modern electro-acoustic stuff on my digital front end, but tend towards singer/songwriter, female jazz vocals and classic 70's rock on my TT. I am basically a midrange person, but am attracted to the PrimaLuna because of the ability to switch from triode to ultralinear on the fly.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts
scotlynn

Showing 5 responses by scotlynn

scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
I've added the Quicksilvers onto my shortlist. From what I've read they seem sonically similar to the PrimaLunas - anyone ever compared the two?
scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations, everyone. I read the stereophile review of the Rogues and the only thing that gave me pause was the fact that the reviewer says he could have sworn it was a ss amp. That's also my concern with the Carver. I do very much like the warmer side of music these days (my Zeppelin years are mostly (sadly) past except for the increasingly occasional spin on my TT)and am not really a big fan of SS, though I do keep a pair of Vincent Hybrids in a second system. I guess some of that concern can be alleviated with some tube rolling. The Macs are always an option, though just starting to creep above my price range, though I do see several used listed here on Agon.
scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
I guess I'll need to find some place to hear the Rogues. I take any professional reviewer's review with a giant grain (more like a chunk) of salt - put more trust in the ears of end users like you guys, so if you're all saying the Rogues have tube warmth, I'll need to consider them.

I guess all these amps take a variety of output tubes that will have a big impact on sound in virtually every one of them.
scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for all the great responses, everyone. There seems like a lot of great choices in this price range and seems like you can't go too wrong with any of them, but I understand system synergy and output tube choices are really primary factors. I've been using a pair of the late Paul G's TAD 1000 for years now, but will be putting those up for sale and moving up a bit, even though those amps have served me well. Can't say I haven't been happy - just ready to move on now.
scotlynn OP
10 posts
 
Hi Fjn04 - I just recently picked up a Mystere CA11 preamp. Leaving it with stock tubes until its broken in, but I'm enjoying it. Also just added a EE Minimax Phono Stage. So far, so good.
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