2. amps-preamps
  3. 138966-119764

How would you introduce tubes into this SS system?

I have a Rotel RC-1070 preamp and a Parasound HCA-1000 amp driving a pair of NHT Super Two’s. The Super Two’s sensitivity is 87 db (2.83V at 1M), 8 Ohms nominal impedance (3.8 Ohms minimum), and recommended amp power of 25W/ch min. and 175W/ch. max. The Rotel’s output level and impedance are 1V and 100 Ohms, and the Parasound’s input impedance is 33 kiloOhms. The budget is around $2000 for either a tube preamp, tube amp, or integrated tube/hybrid amp. I like the sonic qualities of tube equipment, but I don’t want to sacrifice too much bass. I should also mention that I use this system primarily for listening to vinyl on a Music Hall mmf-5.1 turntable. Should I replace the Rotel, the Parasound, or both? Thanks for your opinions.
jackalope

Showing 6 responses by jackalope

jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Soix, I don't take that as mean. I'm not the defensive type. I appreciate you taking the time to chime in. My gear is the best I could do 15 years ago, and now I can do better. That amp has some impressive specs and reviews. I messaged the seller, because he states that only buyers with good feedback need apply. I'm new on this site, so I've got zero feedback. Unfortunately, it would be close to a 9 hour drive for the speakers, so that's not an option. I would need a phono preamp for the Cayin though. Any thoughts on that?
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Huh. What about VAS Audio? He can get parts. 
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
I made an offer on the speakers, and he's going to ship them! The amp seems great, but now I'm a little gun-shy about the lack of tech support and parts. You all have been extremely helpful so far (except secretguy, but that seems to be his M.O.), so thank you for your help! 
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, everyone. I'm still digesting all of this, and now I'm contemplating more expensive options as well (go figure). The Primaluna Dialogue Premium looks really well designed and well made. I'm just not sure that I want tubes on the output stage. I don't live where I can listen to one first. Anybody have any experience with these, and have any thoughts on how it might suit the Joseph Audio rm22si's? Particularly in the lower freq.'s?
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
Well, I've done the thing and gotten the stuff. Ended up with the AR LS16mkll, a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe Edition, and the Joseph Audio RM22si's. Haven't listened for more than a few records as of now, but the combo sounds fantastic. Thanks everyone!
jackalope OP
6 posts
 
I don't have the space to pull them away from the wall that far, but they're sitting about 1-1/2 feet from it. Once the AR has warmed up, everything shines! Outstanding clarity with great warmth and punch. The speakers arrived with some hefty damage to one of the plinths. The shipper didn't remove them before shipping, and FedEx packed them horribly ($260 for packing and shipping). They were also missing the feet. I fixed the plinth (I used to build wooden boats, so I'm kinda handy like that), and I found the original feet from Joseph Audio's vendor. Filled each of them up with 25 lbs. of sand, and wow! Oh, and after a couple months of diligent pestering, I made sure that FedEx was held accountable, and was able to squeeze 400 clams out of them. So overall, everything is great! One other significant improvement: deer hide platter mat. I couldn't believe it myself. Quite an upgrade from the felt.
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