Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III. Sacrifice a tiny amount of transparency and refinement for much more dynamics and impact.
can achieve world class sound with small signal NOS tubes.
can achieve world class sound with small signal NOS tubes.
Tube amplifier upgrade suggestions welcome.
I currently have a Musical Fidelity m2si and some Tekton Lore speakers and would like to buy a power amplifier to upgrade my system. I'd like to keep the m2si in the system as a preamp. I'd like more clarity, bass, and dynamics in my setup. I have up to $2K to spend and thought I'd try out a tube amp since my speakers are supposed to be very tube-friendly.
I have considered something like a Parasound A23+ or Rotel 1582 amplifier -- what are the equivalent tube amplifiers to these? I'm in an 11' x 12' room with horrible acoustics but I've treated it with 8 GIK 244 bass traps and have added an SVS-SB1000 to fill in the low end which helped a ton. How should I proceed from here?
I have considered something like a Parasound A23+ or Rotel 1582 amplifier -- what are the equivalent tube amplifiers to these? I'm in an 11' x 12' room with horrible acoustics but I've treated it with 8 GIK 244 bass traps and have added an SVS-SB1000 to fill in the low end which helped a ton. How should I proceed from here?
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- 33 posts total
Shawn, did you talk to the seller? Make an offer. Last year a rebuilt RM-10 sold for $1700 and a recent unit sold for $1850. https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=music+reference+rm-10 |
I just purchased the RM-10. Hopefully it’s 35 watts of pure bliss. Thank you to everyone here for your feedback and help. It will be interesting trying out a tube amp. Many years ago I had a VK-5i preamp but I never thought it had any sort of a "tube" sound. However I did agree with one reviewer I read who said it was a bit "dark". If asked today I could never explain to anyone what "dark" meant but it is the word I’d use looking back on the sound -- not in a bad way, just the particular coloration it gave to the music. It was clear as a bell though. I bought it via Audiogon about 25 years ago, back when Audiogon was young like me. ha! Thanks again and I’ll post my impressions when I get the new toy. :D Special thanks to @lowrider57 for your expertise. Shawn |
2K gets you into amazing used Manley Mahi Mahi mono blocks. EL 84 based, these rock out with 40wpc and changeable modes for triode. You can vary the timbre of the amp with small switches. They tube roll well and mine were very reliable and stable. They are quick and delivered solid bass. Lots of fun for 5 years. |
- 33 posts total