Tube Monos

falconcry72
falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
edited January 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
Are there any tube monos that can be had for $2k/pair on the used market? That will best my BAT? If not, what about 2-channel tube amps?


Also, what are your general musings on a tube preamp w/ solid state amp setup vs. a solid state preamp w/ tube amp setup?


I'm thinking about trying to pull off a complete overhaul of the 2-channel system... without spending additional money. Why? Why not?!
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Post edited by falconcry72 on
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Comments

  • brianle
    brianle Posts: 572
    edited January 2014
    Rogue m-150 but they're close to 2500 range

    tube preamp + solid state amp: watch out for impedance mismatch
    preamp + tube amp: power would be a concern for your 3.7
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2014
    Manley Snappers ?
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited January 2014
    Falcon I know you were looking at a DAC/Pre combo now an amp. I have tube pre/solid amp combo and the Modwright KWI-200 with phono & Dac options. I enjoy my Modwright just as much as my Melody/Pass combo if not more. The MW w/Dac is very pleasant and the closest (not to be cliche) valve like solid state that I have put my ears on. The DAC section betters my W4S, and when you start totaling all the separates and cables you really can't beat the price and 200/400 watts of true power.

    The KWI 200 come up on the used market between 3200-4k. When I was in search of, I placed want ads on A'gon and US Audiomart got mine within 3 weeks and never looked back.
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited January 2014
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Falcon I know you were looking at a DAC/Pre combo now an amp...

    Yea, I like the idea of replacing my front 3 boxes (USB converter, DAC, tube preamp) with 1 box (DAC/pre combo), but if I do that, the new 1 box will probably be solid state. This makes me think that I then may want to replace my solid state power amp with tube power amps. I don't know. One thing at a time, I guess.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited January 2014
    I'm all SS and I'm not missing any soul.;) I'm with Skip on the tube pre/SS amp though. Recently a friend replaced BAT tube monos with a Krell SS amp. Much better bass control, and no rolled off highs. Depends on the sound you prefer though.

    Also a fan of ModWright pre amps.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited January 2014
    The KWI-200 is an integrated amp/pre with the DAC/phono option. Hegel 200 integrated also has a nice organic sound, but does not have any other options.
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited January 2014
    DSkip wrote: »
    Its not impossible, but it can be difficult to find that soul out of pure SS. Ron's Modwright is a very nice piece if you can get past the FOB-style remote...

    Your gonna pick on my remote...your hair looks like Alfalfa's ;-)
    Modwright actually has an all metal remote upgrade, it's like $300 which I never understood why they just didn't tag you for $300....whats another $300 when you get into the $6k range
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited January 2014
    DSkip wrote: »
    Its not impossible, but it can be difficult to find that soul out of pure SS. Ron's Modwright is a very nice piece if you can get past the FOB-style remote...

    I've been asked how can I enjoy music with all SS. Easy, it is accurate, not soggy, bloated and there is no roll off of the highs. I am pretty much a live and let live type, but tubes are not necessary to enjoy music or have music sound good.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited January 2014
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    I've been asked how can I enjoy music with all SS. Easy, it is accurate, not soggy, bloated and there is no roll off of the highs. I am pretty much a live and let live type, but tubes are not necessary to enjoy music or have music sound good.

    That's a good point, and while my instincts tell me to go tube power if I go SS pre/DAC, I may very well love the SS pre/DAC + VK-500 combo.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • Indyaudio2
    Indyaudio2 Posts: 127
    edited January 2014
    I've purchased both a pair of McIntosh MC30 and MC60s for under your price point. The 30s are mint and matched serial numbers and are simply amazing. I was using them on the top end of my SRSTLs with a Sunfire 300~2 on the bottom end and wow. Now have them running a set of JBL Sovereigns and the brute power they have are amazing. My MC60 pair was rough cosmetically and have invested a few hundred in caps. One is perfect and the other soon to be breathing fire again. Highly recommend the McIntosh monos.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    I have some big primaluna and a dac pre
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    edited January 2014
    Overhaulin the 2 channel... If the items need to disappear late march, I just may have another carry on luggage back to Dallas.

    Halen
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