2. amps-preamps
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Luxman - Shindo - Mcintosh ?

I am starting my research on a new (used) tube amplifier, and my budget is around $2.5K to $3.5K. I have a PS Audio BHK Pre, a pair of Altec Lansing Valencias (16 ohm), a Linn LP 12 turntable with Pass Labs XP15 Phono Stage which would make up the rest of the system. Kind of a new / vintage hybrid set up. I have a bunch of other gear, and will need to sell some off for this purchase.

Tube Amps that initially jump out at me are...
Mcintosh MC240 (serviced)
Luxman MQ 3600
Shindo Montille EL84
Any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome
Mark


















128x128marktheshark
br3098
973 posts
 
The amps you listed use different power tubes and sound quite different.  If I were looking for a tube power amp for this system it would be a mac MC225.  Sounds sweeter than the MC240 IMO.  New Tung Sol 7591A power tubes are relatively inexpensive and sound great.

My next choice would be an EL84 amp.  The Shindo Montille is superb but there are other, less expensive options.
marktheshark's avatar
marktheshark OP
55 posts
 
JAMES, is the MC252 Solid State, I was thinking something more tubey.
marktheshark's avatar
marktheshark OP
55 posts
 
Thanks BR3098, so similar to the MC225 would be the MC240, MC275, a pair of MC30s .... They all can be had for around $3K, do you think the MC225 would be the best value ?
tswisla
176 posts
 
I owned an MC275 and went to Coincident Frankensteins.  I will never sell these amps.  Simply amazing.  I am running Zu Soul Supremes which are 16 ohm as well.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

Mark,

As tswista says the Coincident Frankenstein is a superb sounding SET amplifier that would IMO work well with your 97 db sensitivity 16 ohm (very easy load speakers). . If a used Frankenstein is not available in your price range consider the Coincident Dynamo latest version the MK III. Ii is  a singled ended class A circuit so a different approach compared to the push pull amps suggested above. It is available as an el 34 or as a 300b based SEP 8 watt amplifier.


.I believe this type of
pure class A single ended amp would mate wonderfully with your Altec speakers. Good luck to you. Two different pathways , no NFB class A or + NFB class AB circuit. Either can be very good but different.

Charles

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