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.
128x128william53b

Showing 1 response by pryso

pryso
1,912 posts
 
william, anyone who says that Maggies and tubes are not a great combination probably never heard an Audio Research demo with them.  But that's not to say just any tubes will do.

Even with your stated music I agree with those saying that something with 75 to 100 wpc will likely be more satisfying.

I'm not familiar with the Benchmark if the input is high enough for a tube match you might try to borrow a tube preamp from a dealer or friend if possible.  That should cost less if it satisfies you.

Anyway, have fun with it and good luck.
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