I recently bought a Cayin tube amplifier, at 1/2 price it was too good to miss. Having multiple systems I figured I would use it somewhere. My other systems have Vincent pre /power class A hybrid and Naim Uniti as amps. It took 1 day to place the Cayin in my dedicated stereo room. My Audio Physic speakers, renowned for soundstage, are truly awesome with valves. I did change from KT88's to EL34's and much prefer the balance and particularly the bass. Don't be fooled 38 watts is more than enough to drive 89 dB / 4 ohm speakers.
Tubes or Solid State?
I'm looking to replace my solid state Musical Fidelity M2si integrated amplifier that I've been using as a preamp with a dedicated preamp. I have been considering tube line stages from Maple Tree, and, Van Alstine and the LSA Hyperdrive Preamp/Headphone amp. I am also looking at the SPL Elector MK2 which is solid state and a bit more money.
The tubes are supposed to be warmer and the SPL is supposed to be absolutely dead quiet.
Thanks