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Original Message

An Absolute Dilemma! To Tube or Not? This is my dilemma

Posted by Itch on December 29, 2002 at 10:31:56:
My system:
Krell 150A Amplifier
Krell 250P Pre Amplifier
Cary 303/200 CD Player
Vienna Acoustic Bachâ€™s
Audio Quest XLR Vipers throughout
This dilemma came to be when I auditioned the Bachâ€™s and Mozartâ€™s side by side. You see Iâ€™ve got the upgrade itch and I want to upgrade what I already have. My first thought was that if I moved up the Vienna line I would find what Iâ€™m looking for. Well after listening to the Bachâ€™s and Mozartâ€™s side by side, I still think the Bachâ€™s sound better!!! What really disturbed me was the B&K Amp and Pre-Amp used in the audition sounded better than my Krell's! How could this be? Never the less, the B&Kâ€™s sounded much better across the Bachâ€™s than my Krell's!! So my dilemma!
I have two immoveable items in my system; the Vienna Acoustic Bachâ€™s and my Cary 303/200 CD Player. The Krell's are replaceable. This being said, where do I go from here? Iâ€™m giving some serious thought about going to tubes. Specifically, the Cary 300SEI Integrated Amp Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier @ 15 Watt/Channel, Single Ended, Pure Class A, Integrated Stereo Amplifier with Western Electric 300B output tubes. Or Cary SLI80 Class AB, 80 Watt ultra-linear, 40 Watt Triode, Integrated Stereo Amplifier.
Iâ€™ve got a relatively small listening environment, small speakers and right now I just donâ€™t see a need to go to separates. What I want is a simplistic approach to amplification that will be â€œTOP SHELFâ€.
Here are my concerns about moving to tubes from Solid State?
1. Will I see a loss in Bass output loss by going to tubes?
2. Will I get an improvement in depth and 3-D imaging with tubes over S.S.?
3. Although I listen to primarily Classic Rock and Jazz, Iâ€™m developing an interest in classical music. I know that tubes are probably better for classical, however will I be giving performance (wattage) up for the jazz and classic rock?
4. Should I stay away from single-Ended and look at Push-Pull designs?
My budget is around $5,000.00 which is an ABSOLUTE top. I would prefer of course to spend less.
As what I know about tubes could probably fill a thimble, any advice would be appreciated!
Again my Vienna Acoustic Bachs are here to stay WITHOUT question. The specks are as follows:

Impedance: 6 Ohms
Frequency Response: 38 â€“ 22000 Hz
Sensitivity: 90dB
Recommended Amplifiers: 30- 200 Watts
Drive Units: 7â€ Mid-Woofer
1â€ Dome-Tweeter (Silk Dome)
Bass System: Bassreflex

Any Advice would be appreciated!!!

Itch