2. amps-preamps
  3. 1130373776

Confusion reigns - tube amp,ss amp, integrated..??

I've been reading a lot of threads here (and on the Audio Asylum) and I am just getting more and more confused.

I am coming from the simple world of SS receiver and separate SS power amp - Rotel gear, as you can see from my Virtual System. I am trying to find a more musical system, but I still need to have a system that can be used for HT.

I am changing out my speakers to Cain & Cain Abbys - single drive (Fostex 166E) high efficiency speakers (95dB.) My Teres turntable is also a keeper, as is my phono stage. These are about the only decisions I have been able to firm up! So, I am building my system around these components.

I need either an integrated amp or separates - pre amp/power amp. I thought tubes would be best for the Abbys, but then again, maybe the pre should be solid state with a tube amp - or is the other way around better? You see how unknowing I am! An integrated amp might be a bit of a compromise, but might also fit my budget better. :-~

This is what I need the system to do: I need to be able to run my CD drive, a DVD drive, my phono stage and a subwoofer, as well as, of course, front speakers. If I end up getting rid of my receiver, an option for rear and center speakers would be a plus, though I may forgo surround sound (5.1) with my new system.

My budget is around $10,000 (gulp) which is both limiting, I realize, and more than I wanted to spend. :rolleyes: I would like this budget to include a new CD-player - I am considering the Musical Fidelity A5 - so I guess my actual amp/preamp budget is around $8000.

Please help me if you can!

Holly
oakiris
maineiac
649 posts
 
I had a good receiver in a HT setup and wanted to get to a much higher level of 2 channel performance. I decided to go for an integrated with a HT pass through so the integrated would be literally "integrated" and the amp section can be used for HT with a flip of a switch. I also wanted to do tubes (although my speakers are not as efficient as yours), and ended up with a VAC Avatar Super, which has worked very very well and provided all of what I was looking for. It has line level outs which can be run to subwoofer(s), but I rely upon my receiver to control the sub which is used only when watching video. It has phono, and 3 other inputs. Check out the threads on seperates vs. integrateds. Good luck.
surfgod
229 posts
 
Firstly with a speaker of 95dB efficency you have a chance to opt for a 300B tube amp. Since you say you have a phonostage that you want to stay, a 300B int amp would be a wise choice. As far as a sub, my Vandersteen requires no extra hookups such as a sub out as in a reciever. High end Equiptment is like that. Now you mention rear & center channel. This is for a surround sound, there is no room for a 300B amp there. You may think you want surround sound but once you hear a properly set up 300B system you will think you have several channels with the detail & imaging. Owning a TT like the yours deserves such equiptment to compliment it. One last thing, the CD player does not have to be absolute state of the art, the one you mentioned is fine. When you now hear your records you will be dusting your CD player. Enjoy.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
first of all rotel makes fine ss gear. secondly unless you are prepared to give up a lot bass and high frequencies, there are a whole lot of options without buying cain and cain abbeys. what kind of music do you like? $10,000 is not limiting if you buy products of exceptional value. don't buy anything you can't audition. i hope you think this is good advice.
maineiac
649 posts
 
I have a good receiver in a HT setup and wanted to get to a much higher level of 2 channel performance. I decided to go for an integrated with a HT pass through so the integrated would be literally "integrated" and the amp section can be used for HT with a flip of a switch but otherwise dedicated to 2 channel CDP or TT. I also wanted to do tubes (although my speakers are not as efficient as yours), and ended up with a VAC Avatar Super, which has worked very very well and provided all of what I was looking for. It has line level outs which can be run to subwoofer(s) if you want. It has phono, and 3 other inputs. Check out the threads on seperates vs. integrateds. I hope this helps.
c123666
871 posts
 
With a quality subwoofer your speakers should work quite well. A high quality tube amp based on the 300b tube is an obvious choice or, for more power which you probably don't need, look to a 845 or 211 based tube amplifier.

For a quality 300b amplifier for not a small fortune as well as a good line stage check out Wright Audio products. Wright is working on a new line stage that is a no holds barred unit and will retail for about 2000 or a bit less. George Wright's 300b amps are a good value but definitely not the last word.

With your budget you can afford to acquire a quality CD player as well as a hand built 300b integrated amp that will mate perfectly with your speakers. Please let me know if you'd like to learn more; I only use the best NOS/current production parts and you will love the results.
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