2. amps-preamps
  3. 167036-159831

Tubes for Magnepan’s.

I think next up on my acquisition list is a tube amplifier. I'm not looking for the be all end all, cause I don’t think there is a definitive "Best", so am looking for as good as I can get for $3-4k.


Because tubes drive speakers so much more efficiently than solid state I am only looking for 40-50 watts to drive my modded Maggie’s, 1.7i's. (Or what you have when you add a new crossover and planer tweeters to 1.7i's.) Maybe 2.7x? I haven’t settled on that yet. And I have some Zu Dirty Weekend's upgraded to the max coming in in 2 months to replace my KEF's.

Anyway, I haven’t had a tube device since my Halicrafter short wave radio, and reviews are not the same as advice from people that own something. There is a Rouge Audio dealer in my area, last I looked, (opps, they no longer carry them), so I may have to go to another market to hear something, or get a try before you buy from a manufacturer or dealer.

You folks have taught me a lot, and I think asking users is the right thing to do on this change in direction.

Thanks in advance.
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Showing 1 response by hwr

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hwr
17 posts
 
The most economical approach is certainly SS amp and tube pre. SS amps typically will deliver better bass too.
You mention wanting the option to play a little bit with the tubes. I understand completely and I love my Eastern Electric Mini Max pre-amp. It's a tube rollers delight, sounds great, and offers incomparable build quality. It utilizes the easily obtainable 12AU7, of which I own over a dozen pair of various brands. Talk about flexibility to tailor the overall sound of my system!
I bought it used a number of years ago from a fellow A-goner and have loved every minute I have spent using it.

Good luck, have fun!!
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