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Digital integrated alternatives to SET tube system

Hello,

Recently I have been contemplating moving over to an all in one digital set up for my front end such as the Lyngdorf 2170 or Devialet 200 etc.  I have read the entire 2170 thread.

I currently run a tube pre to a Line Magnetic 508 (upgraded tubes on both) to Audionote AN-E Lx/He speakers (ANK kit 003). My source is mainly digital consisting of an Aries Mini running USB to my DAC. All interconnects are solid core silver.

I absolutely love the sound of my current set up but I don’t have any local dealer support or anywhere to test tubes etc. Any time I hear something "off" in my system, I’m reminded of this fact. Also the convenience factor of an all in one would be great and I’m sure my wife would agree!

I’m really looking for something that will sound amazing with my Audionotes. Most reviews I’ve found on these types of amps don’t really speak much on using them with high sensitivity speakers which makes sense in most cases. I do of course realize I will be giving up certain SET/tube characteristics.

I really like the Room Correction feature on the Lyndorf as well as having a few different EQ settings to play with, although they are "pre set".


Caveats:

1) Price $4600 US or $6000 Can used.

2) Must play nice with high sensitivity speakers and maintain dynamics/soundstage at lower volumes.

2) USB input would be a plus.

3) May or may not have an internal DAC.

4) I don’t like a lean/thin sound or truncated highs.


Please give me your recommendations and thoughts. Thanks.


128x128hfaddict
benb
33 posts
 
I did the same thing recently,  moving from a VAC integrated all tube to the Micromega M100.  I had also used a 300B amp in the past.   I’m very happy to have made the switch.  Just turn it on and play music.  No bias or warmup.  And the M100 with the room correction sounds fantastic.  I have fairly sensitive speakers (Silverline Sonatinas) and the M100 is warm and dynamic with great presence.  I’ve heard the
at the Devialet is brighter and thinner although I haven’t heard it personally.  
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Hmm well FWIW I was considering trying a SET or similar tube integrated and high efficiency speakers in my second system but decided to give the latest and greatest Digital Integrated amp technology a shot first. I picked a Bel Canto C5i a couple years ago and never looked back. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
If you like what you have, why not have a few spare tubes on hand?
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
96 posts
 

@mapman Thanks, Bel Canto seems to do no wrong when most people talk about them.

@atmasphere I do have spares but I’ve had poor experiences purchasing tubes over the years already. Had a brand new power tube fail within a month or so. And a NOS Black Treasure flare up and die the first time I plunked it in. With these being matched pairs, it makes it harder to find another spare. I’m also finding the sound just doesn’t seem to be 100% consistent day to day. I’ll sometimes get flutter or static here or there, slightly shifting soundstage or things are good for a week at a time. Now days I’m having a hard time taking off my analytical hat and just being able to enjoy the music. And troubleshooting a pre amp/amp with 11 tubes in the system just doesn’t tickle my fancy any more and as they age it won’t get much better. Would be a different story if I was near a major center or in a circle of tube buddies.

I very much appreciate all the help you guys have given me. I did end up making a deal on a used Devialet 200 yesterday. The price was right and I know someone with first hand experience with this exact set up. He also has experience with low power tubes, hybrids and the Lyngdorf 2170 running his Audionotes. So I can take some comfort that I may yet find happiness. If not, there’s lots of fish in the sea :)

It will definitely take some time to transition out of the sound I’m used to.

Thanks again everyone.




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maritime51
1,288 posts
 
You gotta be smarter than the dog, to train the dog. 🙀👍
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