2. amps-preamps
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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
lapierre
547 posts
 
Scot have not auditioned Carver or Primaluna however, consider McIntosh MC275.

Couple pair of Mcintosh MC275's for sale on the GON.

I use two in mono to drive my Helicon 300 which are studio monitors with great midrange when used with the right electronics. I rolled all the tubes to refine bass weight and more details in midrange.
tonyjack
102 posts
 
Quicksilver V4. Glorious sound, powerful and trouble free.
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bpuklich
11 posts
 
You might want to consider the Rogue Audio M-180 amps. I've got a pair, and they're great. Lots of great reviews out there, and lots of ideas for rolling tubes if you're into that.
zaphodbeeblebrox
78 posts
 
I personally have a Pair of the Carver 180 mono blocks and I they are just plain awesome.

These are very well built, hand made in Lexington Kentucky. Point to point wiring etc.

I don't know how to properly say how they sound but I would venture a guess that you will not be disappointed.

Go for the Carvers!
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.
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