2. amps-preamps
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from a Krell SS- FPB 600 to What Tube Amp ?

I have been a Krell listener for 15 years, from the KSA-150 to the FPB 300 ,to now the FPB 600. I love the Power in Class A, and the great Bass that the Krell offers. But I think I maybe missing out here on some great tube amps. I think it is time to give a reasonable audition to some Tube Amps. IF I could please get some experienced answers , that would be much appreciated, like someone who has gone threw this transition . I know all the names of the best tube amps, but getting someone who has experienced this is very valuable to me. My budget is $5K- $8K used prefered, $$lower also works.

My System:

Meitner-EMM Labs DCC2 + Phillips cdp D.O.M ( Truly Amazing )
Kubala Emotion cables, all cables (***** Truly Amazing )
Walker Velociter ( Great Stuff )
Infinity MTS Preludes, 6 Ohms (also need to change)
Townshend Super Tweeters ( Great Stuff )
Krell FPB-600
macallan25
pcook15
3 posts
 
Macallan25 & Rcupka- I'm trying to choose between Kubala Emotion speaker cables and Transparent Reference XL SS cables. The same dealer in Philadelphia has them both. I've been a Transparent fan for a while but am seriously torn as to what to do. The dealer says go with Kubala but since it's an expensive decision and I really don't want to spend a bunch of money on another "tweek". I figure go with the known quantity. Can the both of you really say the Kubala is better? It might be worth the drive to A/B them for myself.
rgs92
958 posts
 
I will second the recommendation on the Kubala Emotion ICs. After Cardas, Jena, Valhallas, these are the "it" cable for me, no forseeable upgrading after this. I could not believe the harmonious, gorgeous bass on my Kharma 3.2s, or the sweet, unabrasive highs (both were issues with other cables). They had the same magic affect on my Grado RS1 headphones and my Stax Omegas. (The source for all was my Accuphase DP75V cdp.) Please excuse me if I repeat this in a short review later.
rgs92
958 posts
 
One more point, before you give up on solid-state, try an Edge NL-12. Smooth & relaxed as all heck, but still detailed without being "ruthlessly revealing" as the overused phrase goes.
rcupka
47 posts
 
Pcook15: First and foremost, I highly recommend you audition both the Kubala and Transparent cables before making a decision.

That being said, I replaced all of my Transparent Reference XL cables (the new ones with the curved networks) with Kubala Emotion. I really doubted the Kubala's would be better but they outperformed (to my ears)the Transparent by a significant margin. I've used them with a solid state/Wilson WP7 system as well as a tube/Kharma 3.2 system and they integrate wonderfully.

The best part is they are quite a bit less expensive than the Reference XL's.

Best of Luck,

Bob
frankg
170 posts
 
Another SS amp you might consider is the Gryphon Encore. To me it has the best attributes of ss and tubes in one package. Greg Petan of Stereo Times gave it his most wanted component for 2004. Only problem is that it would be hard to find used to be in your price range.
I use the Encore with EMM dac&preamp, Talon Firebird Diamonds and Jena Labs cabling.
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