Tube Pre-Amp

[Ah Pook]

Looking to upgrade my audio system.

Yes, tubes are my interest right now.

This is for audio only. No receivers or movie surround. It will need to run A/B speakers (a total of 4-6).

The head unit will be a Mac Mini and the music will be in the Apple Lossless format.

This is by no means a thorough review. Just some ideas that I'm looking at. Feel free to add info.

Not looking to spend the price of a new car, so here are some of what I'm looking at.

McIntosh MC-2100
Dynaco ST 70 Amp
Marantz 7T Preamp
Dared I-30 Amp
Dared Saturn

The Dareds have less watts but have a built in USB DAC.

Ideas?

[brutal]

Join/post over on Audiokarma.org?

[Ah Pook]

Already have. Computer Audiophile also.

[asmo]

Marantz for the win. But if you do it go with digital speakers as well. Go big or go home.

[sellersm]

McIntosh. Or Mark Levinson


Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk

[jerrymrc]

You need to be careful with the number and type of speakers. Tubes are very sensitive to the load. AK has some great people.

[Ah Pook]

Thank you!

What are you using for speakers?

Gotta find a decent amp for @ $300. I'm going to look at Yamaha amps on Amazon.

My main speakers are Polk Audio Model 8s (6ohm and 200 watts) and an Infinity 8" sub.

I didn't really look at new amps. Always had a thing for tubes. McIntosh and Marantz are unobtaineum right now. Fischer and Dared(sp?) are more affordable. Just make sure the amp will accommodate everything you want.

I actually pulled the trigger on a newer NAD pre-amp but the seller couldn't get around to shipping it.

Audio equipment arguments, in the audiophile world, are caliber wars.

Happy shopping!

[TheGrey]

Thank you kindly! This is great info; as components of our stereo degrade, we're going to have to replace them with new items. This is most useful.

[Ah Pook]

Thank you kindly! This is great info; as components of our stereo degrade, we're going to have to replace them with new items. This is most useful.
There is a shop in Longmont, http://www.luddite-tek.com/, (http://www.luddite-tek.com/) (Jeff, if I recall). Rebuilds audio all day long. My integrated-amp is going there this week for some R&R.

Another good source for used/good condition audio is http://www.recycledaudio.com/stuff.html. They have been around for a while and have some fun stuff. Don't look for bargains but solid performers.