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HELP ... Need Advice/Recommendations on Tube Amp

Hi, all. So, the upgrade bug is calling, and most you likely know how annoying that can be. For years I have been using a tube preamp (BAT VK-3i) and a SS power amp (Musical Fidelity A300cr @ 225 wpc). Since I  bought new speakers a little less than a year ago (JA Pulsars), I was wondering whether a tube power amp  might produce even better sound than I'm getting currently. 

I've been looking at the Carver Crimson 275 (75 wpc) and the Rogue Stereo 100 (100 wpc). The Carver looks really interesting ... the Rogue does as well, but it requires manual biasing. I know the jury is still out on manual versus auto biasing, so I'm not sure which way to go on that issue. Anyway, I have never owned a tube power amp before and can't audition most products due to my current location. Any thoughts on the above or recommendations for other tube amps would be much appreciated. Thanks.
rlb61
aberyclark
594 posts
 
I really wish the tubes were more visible on the Rogue Stereo 100. Part of the appeal of tubes (with me anyway) is actually seeing them out in the open
rlb61 OP
362 posts
 
@aberyclark ... agreed. I really like to see tubes glow, especially big power tubes. Plus, in order to manually bias the tubes on the Rogue, you have to remove the cover held on by ten screws.
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
BAT, Dehavilland, VAC, Music Reference, Atma-Sphere, Manley...plenty of nice options. Read the other recent thread about tube amp manufacturers, so many happy owners. Cheers,
Spencer
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
22 posts
 
Be aware, the Rogue Stereo 100 is really a 50w or 55w amp in Triode mode which is how you are likely to prefer listening to it.  The 100wpc is in Ultralinear mode where you will get tighter bass but lose a lot of the detail and nuance that make tube amps so special.  It is still a wonderful sounding amp but want to make you aware of what you are getting.  

I have read some great reviews of the Carver but haven't heard it.   
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
79 posts
 
I use a PrimaLuna Dialogue integrated. PL also makes a stand alone amp. I couldn't be more satisfied and am "thrilled" at the tone, body and dimensionality I'm experiencing. In my many decades as caring about good audio I'd owned several tubed amps and went SS when I got tired on manual biasing, monitoring tube life, system hum etc. What I have now has made owning a tube rig a no brainer. There is virtually none of the issues I had experienced in the past. BTW, I owned a VK-5i pre-amp at one time running into a SS VK 500 amp. Good luck in your search. I'm never going back to solid state again.
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