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Tube amp Questions

Hi everyone

The questions are… What tube amp setup would you reccommend to incorporate into this configuration?

What do you look for in a good Tube Amp?

I like the HK 990. However I would like to move to the Tube end of things and experience that sound.

I know I will need to audition a few to see what sound I prefer. I just figured with all the knowlegde and experience on this forum a couple of you could suggest some give a listen to.

Looking at around a $3000 limit.

My current system is…

Harman Kardon HK990 intergrated

Revel F52 speakers

SVS PB12 NSD Sub

VPI Aries Scout with an Ortofon 2m Bronze mm cart

Herron VTPH 1mm phono preamp

Oppo 105D 

Belden BJC LC-1 interconnects

12 gauge, 87 strand, oxygen free copper speaker cables

The SVS Sub and VPI are nicely isolated. 

I'm going to upgrade the sub to a SVS SB13 Ultra. 

Thanks for taking some time out of your day to respond.

Peace,

Mark




meambler
mesch
3,412 posts
 
If wanting an integrated look into the Vincent audio 237.  Retails at ~$2500. 150wpc 8 ohms, 300 4 ohms. Might check out audio advisor for this unit.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
Somewhere else there's recent talk of Vincent stuff (my preamp is a re-badged Vincent by Kavent), and a good friend of mine has a 236. Note that the 236 (and I assume the 237) is HUGE…seriously a great value if only a "size for the bucks" thing, although it does sound great.
meambler OP
102 posts
 
So, I’m leaing towards the Rogue Pharaoh with the hybrid tube /ss design.

However, are there more powerful options out there in the Hybrid realm of amps… say 250 to 300 watts/channel into 8 ohms?
rockadanny
1,222 posts
 
Check out Audio By Van Alstine, one of their Fet Valve Hybrid Amplifiers. My speakers' rated sensitivity are similar to yours and I had an earlier edition Fet Valve and liked it very much. A little tube flavor with lots of power. Very well built, sounds great, lots of power, reasonably priced, built in USA (if that matters to you), and terrific customer support. I would still own it today had I not pursued an all-tube power amplifier.

http://http//www.avahifi.com/products/power-amplifiers/hybrid-amplifiers
meambler OP
102 posts
 
So The Van Alstine 600-R is an Amp not an Intergrated.

If I went that way could I use my HK990 as a Pre amp?  And how would I hook that up? 

Would that be going the opposite way using a solid state pre amp with a tube amp? As I understand it's best to use a tube pre amp with a Solid State Amp…. right?

Or could I use my Oppo 105D as a preamp? I have read where that might not be the best thing to do. 

To clarify my previous question… Are there more Powerful Hybrid Integrated options to the Rogue Pharaoh Hybrid Integrated out there? 
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