|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
67.23.127.106
For the past few years I've been using a Eico ST 40 that I rehabbed. It sounds good, but I know there's better out there.I've always wanted a Mcintosh MC275 and a C22 but I'm not sure it will be worth the extra money over some of the stuff out there.
Currently I'm considering a Dynaco ST 70 and a PAS preamp. I like that since it has the phono stage.
I'm also considering a new PrimaLuna ProLouge Two which is integrated but has no phono stage (I'd have to get something like a Bottlehead preamp).
I don't know much about stereos, but I know about guitar amps. One thing I've always noticed is that a integrated amp sounds better (more natural) than external pre-amp and power amps. I'm guessing that isn't the case with hi-fi since rare is a case where an integrated amp has anything nice said about it.
Follow Ups:
The Dynaco ST 70 and a PAS preamp would be a side ways move. The McIntosh would be a bit better sounding. You should listen to some newer tube stuff at a dealer to get an idea of the differences.If you want to buy new I might suggest the AES six packs. These are just a very nice pair of little amps. If you want to buy used I would suggest late 80's or 90's Audio Research. This will trounce the Eico and Dynaco stuff. I used to own a pair of Mark 3s and there is just no contest. There are a few Classic 60 amps on Audiogon for around a $1000. This is just a sweet amp with unbelievable build quality. There are also quite a few nice preamps from the same period, both with and without phono stages. Older Conrad Johnson, Bat, and some Cary stuff would also be very nice choices.
I looked up the Audio Research Classic 60 and I read that it has FETs in it. I was looking for all tube.
I'm not against Conrad Johnson....hell, I OWN a PV5 preamp, which I can recommend highly! (If not that one, go with a Premier 10...NOT the PV10). Go over to 'Amps' forum, read my review I just posted of the Quicksilver M80 monoblocs, which have looks, build quality, and sound to DIE for and....get this....TUBE rectification, which is a real rarity these days! If I were starting from scratch, and didn't have high power needs, I'd consider your PrimaLuna's or the Manley StingRay integrated VERY seriously.
Rogue has a new integrated under $2k with a phono pre.
In certain price ranges I think integrated units are an excellent alternative to spending a lot more money for seperates for, what will amount to some as, small and only incremental differences. BUT, for many those same differences are neither small, nor incremental.I have a Primaluna P1. I love it in its capacity as a secondary unit for casual listening. It works well with my 92db 4ohm speakers, and if I didn't have my seperates to compare it with I could probably be quite happy using it as part of a prime system. But, and for me this is a big but, it is not as smooth, nor does it have the sense of ease as my main system, nor does it offer me as much opportunity to tailor the sound (by tube rolling) as my main system. But at 10% of the cost, wow! Your priorities, your call.
Hi: I have put myself on a list for a PrimaLuna 2, 40wpc. I run Vandersteen 2ces and my 11x14 listening room is carpeted and drapped. I have always had solid state and I'm getting nervous. Is the 40wpc sufficent to drive my 12 year old 2ces to acceptable levels. I am obviously new to tubes. Thanks in advance for any input. John
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: