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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
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
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Nightfall, What price range were they in?
nightfall OP
133 posts
 
Rrog,

Combined pre and amplifier costs were in the $6-7k range of the two systems I heard. Also, several people reported wonderful results with good solid state preamps and Cary power amps.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I usually don't mix, but it sounds like something I might want to try. That's what this hobby is all about, right? It is probably easier to find a neutral sounding solid state preamp than tube type preamp.
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