2. amps-preamps
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"Last" system puzzle piece - Tube amp option

My reference system is pretty much done except for wanting to have another amplifier option. Currently using and very much enjoying a GamuT D200i with a Shindo Vosne-Romanee to drive Verity Amadis speakers. Sources are a Well Tempered Versalex (though an Auditorium 23 T2 SUT), Basis Signature 2500 (through a Nagra VPS), Technics 1500 R2R, dCS Puccini & U-Clock, and Kenwood L-01T FM tuner. ICs are Auditorium 23. Speaker cable is Wireworld Silver Eclipse 6. Power conditioning is via a Running Springs Haley. I made the "mistake" of auditioning the Nagra VPA monoblocks. In a word - WOW! But before I consider buying such expensive amplification to alternate with the GamuT, I was hoping to learn about other tube amplifier options that any of you know or believe I should consider. I listen mostly to classical, jazz, blues, and vocals, and I do like to listen at moderate and above levels. The GamuT does an excellent job, but I am smitten with the VPAs and hence my interest in a tube amplifier option. I would like to keep the cost under $20K and I prefer to buy new electronics. Many thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions!

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107
onemug
784 posts
 
When you say you auditioned the Nagra, was that with your speakers? or somewhere else with something else?

Reason I ask is some tube amps "get along" better with certain speakers. If you have already heard these with your speakers you are ahead of the curve. Another more highly touted amp may not gel with your speakers and to your ears.

btw, I do the same thing. I alternate my Magnepans with a Pass ss amp or a tube amp. Have it set up where it takes less than a minute to do.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Onemug - Thanks for your response. I have actually heard the Nagra VPAs with at least two and possibly three speakers - Vandersteen, Verity (but not the Amadis), and possibly DeVore. None of these listening sessions were in my system. I agree that some tube amps play nicely with certain speakers and others not so much. I am hoping to especially hear from some other Verity speaker owners using tube amps, or at least from those who have heard Verity speakers impressively driven by tube amplification.

It is my understanding that Verity sometimes uses Nagra amps at shows, for whatever that info is worth!

BTW, after I started this thread, I did some more reading, and it appears that the newest Leben stereo amplifier (CS-1000?) could be a good match. But that amp is so new that there might not be anyone who has heard it yet with Verity speakers. What I really wish is that Shindo made an amplifier that could drive the Amadis with ease for the music I want to listen to and at the volume levels I enjoy.

Thanks again for your comments.

Regards,
Steven
sibelius
256 posts
 
I'd suggest checking out the Shindo GM70's. They will match well with your Shindo Preamp. The GM70 is an overlooked SET tube - especially for those looking for a little more power than the traditional SET.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Sibelius - Thank you for the suggestion. I guess it would not hurt to arrange an audition, but it is hard to imagine that 20 watts a side is going to drive the Amadis properly when listening to something like large-scale classical music. And it is my understanding that the Amadis, despite its 93db sensntivity, has a bit of a challenging impedance curve, so much so that I had already pretty much ruled out the much more powerful Shindo CC 80s. That said, it would be great if Shindo amplification would do the trick!

So thank you. I will reconsider Shindo and perhaps arrange auditions.

Regards,
Steven
larryi
3,746 posts
 
As a very rough rule, I would say don't rule out amps that are supposedly too low in power for a particular application. I would at least give the Shindo a try. They make quite decent sounding gear. I tend to like the intrinsic sound quality of lower-powered tube amps much more than the higher powered amps. I have not heard a 100 watt or more tube amp using pushpull tetrode and pentode tubes that I really liked much. My favorite amps tend to be single ended triode amps, followed by pushpull triode amps. It has been quite a while since I heard the 211 amp made by Wyetech, but, I liked the sound of that amp and I would bet it has more than enough power for your needs.

If you feel that you do need more than 20 watts, consider an output transformerless (OTL) tube amp. These amps deliver incredibly dynamic and lively sound regardless of the nominal output level. It has been a while since I heard the Nagra amps, but, I would hazard a guess that Atmasphere OTLs would be to your liking; the alternative I am familiar with (Joule) are warmer sounding than the Atmasphere and probably less like the Nagra.
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