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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Scot lynn,
You`ve gotten some good suggestings.
Keep in mind these points, with most tube power amplifiers there`s much room to manipulate the sound you want. Choice of the output tube,EL 34,6550,KT-120,KT 88 etc.
Second, various brands do sound different.
Third, rolling the input and driver tubes add further variety of sound.
You will have a fair amount of control of the final sound.

When ever someone compares bass performance of a tube vs SS amp, you need to consider what speaker was used.
Some will sound better with tubes and other speakers are meant to be driven by SS amps.
Good Luck,
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Charles1Dad makes very good points. Related to that, maybe think about an amp that can use a number of different types of tubes. In particular KT120s are getting a lot of praise these days
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.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Yes you do have a number of excellent options in your price range for sure.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Scottlynn- What preamp will you be using.
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