2. amps-preamps
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To all tube lovers.......

To all the tube lovers out there: If you COULD NOT listen to a tube amp and you HAD to go solid state or digital, what amp would you get to replace your tubes? I've always been a tube guy. Every amp I've ever owned has been a tube amp. However, I may get a new speaker that is 88 db @ 4 (maybe 6), ohm. If so, I must get a higher powered amp. Keep in mind, I"m not just looking for any amp. Preferably 100 watts or more. Solid state? Digital? I've heard wonderful and not-so-wonderful feedback on Nuforce and Spectral in the digital camp.

I just don't want to regret getting out of tubes just so I can change speakers.
devilboy
speakez
8 posts
 
I would recommend an audition with McIntosh. I have two, born about 25 years apart and I will stay with them to the end.
Howard
larryi
1,972 posts
 
I am also a "tube" person, specifically low-powered triode tube fan. But, if I needed more power and I had to go solid state my preference would be for the following brands that I have heard: Dartzeel, Solution, MBL. For more reasonably priced solid state, I would look into Ayre and Brown Electronic Labs (BEL).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
From experience in my system, Pass Labs XA-.5 series, and by extension one of the offerings from First Watt...the M2 or J2.

I do not have experience in my system with Dartzeel, BEL, Ayre or Clayton. These might also be excellent, but I haven't heard them in a familiar system.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
I would lean toward something from Conrad Johnson.
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