Based on your response, I would look at Prima Luna or used Audio Research (e.g., Reference 75 SE) for a more modern tube sound that approaches solid state in neutrality and handling the frequency extremes but offers the 3D soundstage of tubes, or maybe a hybrid Rogue amp.
Building a new system after many years away, need some suggestions ... !
Thanks for the help all.... All opinions welcomed !!!
I have been away from high end audio for 10+ years but my wife expressed intreest in collecting vinal. I bought my wife a turntable ATLP-7 and of course you know what happened... and here I am. The reason I was away for some time is I am a pretty accomplished musician and I have a recording studio with state of the art digital recording, Apogee Digital, Neve , Avalon, and API etc... class A preamps and speakers (top of the line Focals etc..) but man somehow records still sound so magical, almost like nothing is between you and the live analog microphone feed.
I used to own a Audible Illusions M3A, Quicksilver M60 monoblocks, silver audio cable and Vandersteen’s but sold it when I moved to buy my bigger house.
I have some active speakers and the turntable for her now need a real preamp etc...but want to put a full system together again with some floor standing speakers (full range not necessary) Polk r700’s ?
I was wondering if the tube pre’s were still worth it with tech coming pretty far in the last 10 years. I imagine the SS measures better now. Im open to differnt opintions. In the end for her and I it’s more about that enjoyment more than me feeling like I’m mastering something.
Of course I’m looking at the Audible 3B but it's a lot of spend on a pre but will.... I do think I want to go SS on the Power Amp this time but again open. Currently have an old Rotel here that may get used for a bit as I get the speakers and other pieces together.
Any suggestions welcomed !
Thanks !
John
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AGD Audion. I heard them at the LA Audio Show. Merger of SS and tubes. Dynamic & Sweet. Surprisingly powerful. Here’s a review. |
Excellent suggestion by steakster. These were very high on my list to hear at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest which unfortunately has been permanently cancelled. Another amp that has caught my and many others attention — while not tube but having a tube-like signature I think — are the new class D monoblocks by Atma-sphere. |
I’m not sure what the loading ability is for that preamp - but if you can do MC a Denon 103 may be in order for the table. It makes magic at a low cost with the right SUT, but that would add costs. If it only does MM - the Hana line is a good value. I’m a high efficiency speaker, SET amp kind of guy. I think the amp needs to follow the speakers. Decware makes great stuff - but thanks to recent popularity their build time is being measured in years. |
An old Rotel amp sounds good to me! Just add a pair of Elipson Heritage XLS 15 and you're done! You'll get the "full range". These speakers sound fantastic and they're 92db sensitive so the old Rotel won't break a sweat. The argument for tubes is brought up, but I doubt that it's really essential. Sometimes you can gain better treble/midrange clarity by getting your amp serviced. It's a night and day difference coming from a dark/warm sound to a more analytical sound. This happened to me with my 1979 Continental Edison amp. |
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