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Using digital preamp to tube power amp questions

A while ago I was looking into trying tube amplification in my system and received a lot of good advice here. However, at the time I was using Martin Logan electrostatics and just couldn't get comfortable with issues related mostly to the inordinately high current requirements of these speakers. Recently, though, I bought a pair of Serie Reference 3A monitors which I seriously like and decided to pursue the idea again.

The reason for this post is to seek advice regarding the use of a digital preamp (Peachtree Nova) with a tube based amplifier because of the latitude I have with its large number of digital and analog source inputs. If the benefits of using tubes come primarily from the use of the preamp, I'll not pursue this issue. However, if those of you having experience with a similar setup have had good success I'd appreciate hearing from you. My current setup is this: Shanling CD-S100 CD player - Peachtree Nova as preamp - Behringer UltraCurve DEQ 2496 equalizer- Peachtree 220 amp - Martin Logan Ethos or the Reference 3 A's, depending on which speakers I decide to keep.
128x128broadstone
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broadstone OP
277 posts
 
Thanks, that's good to hear. A friend has his eye on a used Cary SET for me (don't know the model yet) that it looks like I'll be able to audition in my home. I'll post the results. Also, I've pretty much decided that I'm keeping the 3a's in my system, anyway, whichever amp I decide to go with.
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broadstone OP
277 posts
 
I just got some info on the amp. If my understanding is correct, it essentially consists of a single chassis housing two Cary 300 SE monoblocks. I'm not at all familiar with tube specifics nor do I know the model number of the dual mono-block unit but from the little I've been able to read, it sounds like a pretty competent amp. Id appreciate any comments.
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Cary 300 SE may require high input voltage. Check the specs for input sensitivity. IF that's the case, You should check the output voltage of your PeachTree preamp.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
If you are open to getting a PP 300b amp, look at a VAC 30/30 or 70/70. They're much more powerful amps. My 30/30 had no problem driving my SL-3's
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broadstone OP
277 posts
 
Czarivey, input sensitivity for the 300SE is 0.75V for full output. The best I can determine is that the pre out voltage of the Nova is much higher than that so it seems that it should work.
ZD, I really don't know enough to make an informed decision about PP vs SE for my purposes. It would make sense, I suppose, to choose the more powerful amp if I were to choose to continue using the Ethos' as long as the current capability was adequate. On the other hand, if my understanding of their personalities is correct, SE would likely better suit my tastes. Also, price has to be a consideration in my consideration.

It looks like I've got some more studying to do.
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