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Pre + Amplifier Recommendation

Hello All,

First let me say I have spent countless hours researching what may or may not be the right combo for me and my listening preferences - the reality is that there are so many options I am likely more confused now than before, though not from a lack of effort.

So, I have Dali Helicon 400's and listen primarily to rock / folk indie primarily, but do listen to most genres. I have a Cary SLI-80 with upgraded tubes and it sounds great, but lacks a bit of power when i want to turn it up and i am wondering if in addition to increased power i could move up the food chain a bit and get something even better, so long as better is not in the five digits.

I prefer tube sound to any solid state I've owned or heard to date, and my primary concern is being engaged in the music not hearing every last detail, thought that is neat as well.

Was thinking maybe a set of used Cary 805AE units, but fear they may not have enough power. VAC ? BAT ? Quicksilver ? Coincident ?

Or should I start over with new speakers as well? Daedalus Argos look pretty cool and are seemingly more efficient, may open up the options on amplification?

Look forward to your suggestions and thanks in advance.
juggernaut850

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
You can't measure hiss on a tube tester- the best way to test tubes for noise is to listen to them. Or get known quiet tubes from a source (the manufacturer of the unit?) to send you a set.

eBay is a good source of tube testers. There are some modern testers too- like the Sophia, that do allow you to listen to the tubes. But your equipment is always the final arbiter.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
Schubert, you might check with the manufacturer to see if removing and installing tubes while the unit is on is a problem. With our preamps, as long as you take certain precautions, its easily done. But I can imagine not all preamps are like that.

But listening to tubes is the best way to grade them, however tedious.

You might also check with the manufacturer to see if there are particular tubes that contribute more to noise. You may not have to be swapping all 8 of them to sort it out!
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