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Best Balanced Tube Amp To Pair With Meridian G02?

As the Subject title says, I am trying to decide what my best options are insofar as my best options for power amps to pair with the Meridian G02 preamp. I was just able to get one in mint condition, with warranty, at a steal of a price.

I want to pair this with a tubed power amp that has great soundstage, that classic midrange magic, and a rich, but not slow, or rolled off sonic character. Ideally, I would also want a balanced tube amplifier, as the Meridian is maximized for balanced performance, although it will handle single ended.

What would you recommend? My max budget for the power amp is about $3000.00, used, to maximize my buying power. Of course, less is always fine too.

Thanks for any expertise, recommendations or assistance.

Specifications for the G08 are included in the link:

http://www.meridian-audio.com/data/G02_ds_scr.pdf (Open in New Window)
nightfall
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I do not know why, but a solid state preamp and a tube amplifier sounds backwards to me. Most folks like to add a tube preamp to a solid state amplifier to give some tube flavor to the sound while retaining the wide bandwidth and solid bass performance of their solid state amp.

I'm a believer in matching amp and preamp whenever possible, so, I recommend a Meridian G56 or G57 amplifier. Both are available used on this site.
meadowman's avatar
meadowman
124 posts
 
I would suggest a pair of Manley Snapper monoblocks. They are a true balanced design and produce a real 100 watts from 4 EL34s per amp. Super liquid mids and great extension on the highs and lows. They sell in the mid 2K range used and are a great value. Low maintenance and killer sound.
nightfall OP
133 posts
 
Rrog,

While what you noted, adding a tube preamp to a solid state power amp is more common, I've heard some exceptional systems set up the reverse way. Those tended to be more expensive than I can afford, but there has to be good options for me.
nightfall OP
133 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendation, Meadowman, I will add the Snappers to the list of options.

JC
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