Which one to choose between two 80K$ tube amps?

Buy 80k of Amazon

Do you really think anyone reading Audiogon forums are buying 80k amps? No they're reading the Robb report!

$80,000 I could get my townhouse redone.

What was a really enjoyable, interesting and insightful thread has taken a different turn with the latest posts. I hope that this thread restores/retains the original good vibes and camaraderie. I just believe what people decide to spend is their own business.
Charles

What makes the David Berning amp so special?

The output section topology gets around the traditional limitations of conventional transformers and so allows much wider bandwidth from the output section, regardless of power output. If you are wanting single-ended, this is arguably the best way to go. If you want a bit more power its especially useful, as the traditional issues that limit SET power and bandwidth simply don't exist.

It might be more accurate to call it 'Radio Frequency coupling'. The technique has produced IMO some of the best tube amplifiers made.

Ralph,It is really nice to see that you can say nice things about another amplifier.Complimenting a competitor is a rarity in this hobby. I cannot afford the newer Berning amps but have several of his older designs. Dave is a gentleman to deal with and is also brilliant.I think that you are the same.  Thanks. Mike

If you are going to spend $80K why ask the clowns on this site for a good answer?

I owned a nice Woo OTL amp. I LOVED IT. I’m out of the headphone world but had both Jack’ s set and an otl amp, at the same time. The SET was quicker, more transparent and accurate (solid state sounding) The OTL was warm, colored and spongy. Love, love love the sponge, tubey vibe. My .02. 
Good Luck

Neither. I'd go with a pair of used Audio Research Reference 600 amps, on Audiogon, $15,000 US. OMG $80,000 US for a tube amp is simply ridiculous. Now even Jadis is selling $5,000 US integrated amplifiers just to stay in business. This COVID-19 will bankrupt a lot of high end audio manufacturers. Can't say I'll miss them. 

The one that sounds the best to you.

@ ferrari330km



You opt for mega watts amp.

Can I ask you what speaker you drive with it?

I would rather put $80,000 into a speaker and 25% that much into an amp than the other way around.  Von Schweikert's with VAC amps.

@fleschler

My golden ratio is 40% on speakers, 20% amplifiers, 20% on front end (digital or analog) and 20% on cables, isolation foot or bed, rack and power management (filter or regenerator).

charles1dad:
Spending choices invites a range of responses in a community with different levels of resources. I don't see why that should be so surprising in this day and age, especially after the worldwide discussion on inequality sparked by Piketty's two books.

Don't rule out building your own amplifier. You can have the same parts as an $80,000 amplifier and save tens of thousands.

@shkong78  That is the ratio I intend to have $38K speakers, $15K amp, $15K pre-amp $7K phono/trans $15K analog, $5K DAC, $5K cabling, $5K tweaks (I also have a second analog/pre/phono for 78s, cassette, 2 R2R, etc.

@fleschler 

$38K speakers, $15K amp, $15K pre-amp $7K phono/trans $15K analog, $5K DAC, $5K cabling, $5K tweaks

It sounds like a reasonable plan.

Thomas

shkong,
I did not know about the Silbatone costing $100,000!Something I don’t understand is with an amp like that, how can you possible settle for a Line Magnetic? Only because it has more headroom? Don’t you gravely miss the glorious sound of the Silbatone? Believe the LM is 845 based. I am a die hard 300B guy and tried an 845 in a Viva Solista once and sold it right away. It seems an 845 may have more headroom but lacks the wonderful musicality of a great 300B amp. And, G-d forbid, a SS “sand amp”.
Actually, that is another Forum question!
You mentioned a WE speaker system. Seems the financial is not a significant issue, so hunt for one and go for it! And enjoy the Silbatone. Seems there is no other amp like it. I understand that the 300B is the only tube that was specifically developed for voice/music.

@ mglik


There are three factors to choose LM 508 over Silbatone which I keep it under storage.

My listening space has high vault and open to the second floor, thus 8 watts Silbatone has not enough headroom.

The second one is to save Nos WE 300b made in 40's which I already had run more than 10k hours.


The third factor is Line Magnetic 508 is quite good after tube rolling almost approaching 85% of Silbaton in transparency and details.


But i am looking for ways to get Silbtone used with more efficient speaker.

Charles

Line Magnetic 508 or 805 is quite good with more headroom than most SET.

It also has better control of bass than 100 Watts Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with KT120 tubes.

Since ii use, 805, 300b, 6sn7 and 6sl7, it is a dream machine for tube rolling.

If you have Line Magnetic dealer around you, you may ask for home audition of LM805.

Thomas

There seem to be a lot of line magnetic units on the used market these days and rumors of counterfeiting right on the vendor’s website so be careful there.

It also has better control of bass than 100 Watts Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with KT120 tubes.

I also own a LM805ia and agree that it’s bass control is really impressive. And this is even on the minimal NFB (negative feeback) setting. As mentioned, with a bit of tube rolling it is really hard to find anything wrong with the sound. Just glorious.

@nquery



I agree with you that LM 805 or 508 sounds glorious after tube rollinng.

It is kind of hidden gem.

But the choice of any audio components will depend on synergy with amp and personal taste.

Thus it is best to audition it at your home before decision of purchase.