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<2K amp for Shearwaters

Now that I have a nice pair of speakers,... I want tubes. I've set my budget, and am trying to decide beween: 1. an integrated- like the Cary sli80, VTL IT85, CJ,. 2. Use the volume on my Marantz CD63 to control the level into a power amp- VTL ST85, or many used pieces I've noticed on Audiogon.. or go with some inexpensive mono blocks, ss or used tube. I mean, I think I really want tube power, I love the sound, the few times I've listened. and the speaker maker highly reccommends tube power for his product. Any advice from Shearwater owners (89dB) or anybody else is appreciated. Jay
jay_carlson
jay_carlson OP
78 posts
 
Mezmo, Thanks for the help. I wish I was in N.Y. right now. Unfortunately I live in the jungle, literally- in St. Thomas. Nice place, but not many high end stores nearby. I'm just happy to have electricity most of the time. I'm going to have to buy someting sight unseen, or else spend $1000 on a flight to NY to stay at your place to audition a few things on my short list. How bout it? I'll bring some rum, fresh mangoes, conch, goat, whatever you want, mmmmm, nothin like Messaien with mutton,... VAC is also on my short list, as is BAT, (used BAT VK60), and maybe the RM9mkII on the used board, decisions decisions,... Jay
trelja
3,215 posts
 
Jay, it seems as if you've loosened your budget a bit. If not, go with the C-J CAV-50 if you LIKE a rich, warm, romantic(some would argue overly, not me), "classic" tube sound. From all that I've listened to from Rogue, their new integrated would be on the other end of the spectrum. More "new tube sound"; more neutral, many would say better and more accurate. If you are in the middle, check out the Jolida 801, just be sure to instantly upgrade to some European tubes(and use KT88's for output), and a Synergistic Research power cord. If your budget has loosened, BUY(!!!) a Jadis Orchestra Reference. Look the ad up in The Absolute Sound. One of the most beautiful amps you've ever seen, you say? Forget that, the SOUND puts its looks to shame!
jay_carlson OP
78 posts
 
Hi, I just thought I'd let you know that I wound up getting a new Cary sli80. It was a long proccess, lots of research, but it was worth the work. Sounds beautiful.
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