|   Solid state guy ready for tubedom | SIH
Aug 8, 2002 3:41 PM | | I have very limited tube gear experience but it's time to change that. It's not that I'm dissatisfied with my current system but I can't help but wonder what I may be missing. I at least would like to experiment but need help.
My current system consists of:
Amp:Rotel RB-991 (200Wx2)
Preamp:Rotel RC-1070
CD: Onkyo Integra DX-C730
Speakers:Castle Acoustics Howard S3
Question 1.
Are the Castle's tube friendly? They are 8 ohms at 89db 1w/1m. Although I've never seen measurements I think their impedence curve is pretty stable and doesn't ever dip below 5-6 ohms.
Question 2.
What are my options? I'm looking for good value similar to what the Rotel gear has provided. Preamp and amp combo or should I go integrated? Quality watts over quantity for sure and budget is flexible at $1500.
I listen to all types of music but realistic volume levels at nearfield listening is good for me. I'm not looking to fill a large room with sound. More like music in an intimate setting. I've been considering companies like Audio Electronic Supply, Antique Sound Labs and even Jolida.
Any suggestions or help you could give this rookie will be appreciated. Thanks. |
| "Consider This" | Tomn8r
Aug 11, 2002 7:06 PM | | I own the Decware "Zen SE84C single ended triode", it's only 5wpc, but "EXTREMELY FAST", & very nutral. At only 5wpc it requires "fairly sensitive" speakers (90db/1w/1mt) min. If you like your music a little louder then perhaps consider the SE34I Dual Mono integrated with 4 inputs. Ithttp://www.decware.com/tubes.htmegrated. However if you like your music "LOUD" as in concert level, i would recommend the "Jolida JD1501, or JD1701" hybrid amps, 100wpc & 50wpc. IMO the Jolida's are underated in there wattage, so i would consider you room size when deciding, although the Jolida's are not nearly as fast as the Decware amps. You wont be dissapointed in chosing a tube amp. Few Solid state amps can match a tube amps, imaging, soudstage, nutrality, and especialy (SET amps) speed. "Hope you find what you want, or what fits your taste". Tom |
| re: Solid state guy ready for tubedom | strngcheesefan
Oct 9, 2002 12:22 PM | | I hear really good things about these little preamps. REALLY REALLY good things, when you consider their price. I mean to try one out soon, seeing as they're a whopping $150 investment. This strikes me as a particularly good (and cheap) way to find out if I like tubes or not.
http://www.bottlehead.com
By the way, they'll build one for you at a modest upcharge if you don't want to build it yourself. |
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