What budget amp to get liquid/warm/tube tone from LS50 w/o sacrificing too much detail? Would have high end tube if unlimited budget - but don't. Thnk
1353197
I've read some great reviews on-line about the Peachtree Audio Nova125 integrated amp. It's in the same price range as the LS50s and includes an integrated high-end DAC, and the output sage is tube-based. If I were starting from scratch, that's probably what I would buy. Because my Naim integrated amp is still functional, I chose not to replace it just yet. It doesn't use vacuum tubes, but Naim is known for coaxing exceptionally detailed, warm, natural sound from solid state components. My only source is an OPPO BDP-105, which has one of the best optical drives coupled with a high-end DAC, and it's a superb streaming device too. Hope that helps. I've read some great reviews on-line about the Peachtree Audio Nova125 integrated amp. It's in the same price range as the LS50s and includes an integrated high-end DAC, and the output sage is tube-based. If I were starting from scratch, that's probably what I would buy. Because my Naim integrated amp is still functional, I chose not to replace it just yet. It doesn't use vacuum tubes, but Naim is known for coaxing exceptionally detailed, warm, natural sound from solid state components. My only source is an OPPO BDP-105, which has one of the best optical drives coupled with a high-end DAC,... » Read More I've read some great reviews on-line about the Peachtree Audio Nova125 integrated amp. It's in the same price range as the LS50s and includes an integrated high-end DAC, and the output sage is tube-based. If I were starting from scratch, that's probably what I would buy. Because my Naim integrated amp is still functional, I chose not to replace it just yet. It doesn't use vacuum tubes, but Naim is known for coaxing exceptionally detailed, warm, natural sound from solid state components. My only source is an OPPO BDP-105, which has one of the best optical drives coupled with a high-end DAC, and it's a superb streaming device too. Hope that helps. « Show Less
1353198
THERE ARE NO HI POWER BUDGET TUBE AMPS THAT WILL PROPERLY DRIVE THESE WONDERFUL SPEAKERS. That leaves you with two choices, buy a tube amp kit like the ST120 dynaco clone or purchase a solid state amp. You need at least 60 tube watts for properly driving these speakers.
1353199
I had a Peachtree 125 with the Kef Ls50 and got rid of it. While it is a good amp,the hiss coming from it (Class D amps are notorious for this) was unacceptable to me . Not the best resolution but still a good amp. I went to a Creek Evolution A50 with xlr inputs .It is more detailed ,better at imaging but it does not have the warmth of the Peachtree. Ive only played the Creek for 4-5 hours though. Still ,I think it is a better amp then the Peachtree.
1353200
I got these speaker about one month ago and I tried them with the NAD 3020D, Peachtree 65 SE and Arcam A19 (+Arcam irDAC). The NAD is not powerful enough for the LS 50. The Peachtree 65 Watt was a good fit and it did very good job with vocals and Jazz - it didn't sound well with rock music. The Arcam is definitely the best (and the most expensive if you buy also the irDAC). The dynamic of the Arcam is amazing and much better than Peachtree's. My personal advise is to invest $700 more and get Arcam with the Arcam irDAC (that uses the best DAC available on the market Burr-Brown).
1353201
Have a listen to the Arcam amps. They are a good match. The Nad line is also a good fit. I am using two nuforce mono blocks and have no complaints. It's worth getting a quality DAC.
1353202
I've read some great reviews on-line about the Peachtree Audio Nova125 integrated amp. It's in the same price range as the LS50s and includes an integrated high-end DAC, and the output sage is tube-based. If I were starting from scratch, that's probably what I would buy. Because my Naim integrated amp is still functional, I chose not to replace it just yet. It doesn't use vacuum tubes, but Naim is known for coaxing exceptionally detailed, warm, natural sound from solid state components. My only source is an OPPO BDP-105, which has one of the best optical drives coupled with a high-end DAC, and it's a superb streaming device too. Hope that helps.
1353203
I use a Rega Brio R amp, which is considered a budget amp in some circles, costs about $900. Plenty of power for me in a fairly small room, considering its only 50 watts per channel. Speakers sound extremely detailed and smooth with this particular amp. I don't know if I would describe as a warm or tube sound. You might want to consider the NAD 3020d at half the price. Heard it sounds really good with these speakers.
1691723
This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but not the other way around, so if you use 6DJ8 in a circuit designed for 6922's, bad things could happen. This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but... » Read More This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but not the other way around, so if you use 6DJ8 in a circuit designed for 6922's, bad things could happen. « Show Less
1682971
I had one SA12 on 1200watts and it handled it like a champ. These subs are way underrated. Look into the Soundqubed HDS300's. They are about $50.00 cheaper. I replaced my SA with one and the HDS rapes the SA. Optimal enclosure specs on both. The Hds plays the lower end and the higher end quite noticeably better. But taking nothing away from the SA's. They are badass!
795606
I have the hifonic 1000w amp, and you cant do 2 so I got stuck with the 4. Ive had them for a while now and they still wang!!! Best bang for your buck, I got them for $32 each so I cant complain but now I want something more.
1014569
EBAY. I bought new tubes on Ebay because the tubes that are installed by the manufacturer aren't the best. The tube model should be on the product page on amazon. But for $20-$40 you can definitely improve the warmth of your amp.
1108607
I'm not an expert,BUT in my opinion thru MY experiences, I would ask - if you have THE TOP OF THE LINE JL 13W7AE sub , why would you not go with an amp from JL.?? Get in contact with JL. They are glad to help with your questions. I used the JL 1200 amp. The speaker RMS is rated at 1500 watt RMS - what is the rating on the memphis ?? Next question is - do you just want loud music or do you want sound perfection ??? Some people have louder music than myself BUT everybody states to me that my system sounds better. QUALITY OUT WEIGHS LOUDNESS. My system has Clear deep bass - perfect impact mid range and crisp highs and ALL powered by JL AUDIO. I'm running 4- MHD 4-600 amps & 3 MHD 750 amps and a JL 1200 for the 13w7ae. Does NOT get any better. I'd like to put 4 of the new 8" speakers in my boat but I ran out of room.
1304235
I have been using the ART Tube as is (no upgrades) for about a year, and I love it. I use it on both voice and guitar and it really gives me more sound, and a warmer sound, to work with and shape. I have not used a high-end pre-amp before so the ART my actually be horrible in comparison but ignorance is bliss and it sounds good to me.
1333099
For podcasting the preamps on the 44VSL should be good enough to give your voice enough body to sound great. The tubpre is good for vocals and instruments since it utilizes a tube and can be over-driven. Also the tube tends to "warm up" your voice, making it sound more like you're using a full amp. I love the tubepre, but I use it for vocals with an AT2020 condenser mike. If you feel your voice is a bit too flat or just needs an extra boost... then this little baby would be perfect, but its all preference at that point. What do you feel your voice is missing?
1201370
Didn't try but the LS50 are 8 ohm, but Stereophile because of dips in the curve said 4 ohms would work good.
1765482
It does not matter,a 5 watt tube amp will work just as well as a 50 watt Solid State amp,Its just a effects pedal.
2280633
Never turn it up to 100%, it will be boomy and heat the amp up. I would think these things have smart protection circuitry (besides their fuse) in them to prevent catastrophic failure. Just adjust it starting mid way ~50% and go higher until you find that sweet spot and only you know what kind of sound you are looking for. Remember to adjust the frequency to take some of the boom out of it too. You should have one sweet sounding sub when done correctly.
1781762
I found that in the Vali's price range, ss amps gave better sound so I sold my Vali and now use a receiver for my headphone amp. I have HE-400 headphones and a Fiio X-3 as my source. I have tried various low end tube amps and they all seem to suffer from the same loss of detail veil problem. I think tubes offer the best sound, just not at this level.
838499
Amp models have output options and each presets can be in different setting. That is both pro and con in my experience. But the sound and quality of effects exceed far beyond $49 when set properly.
2143905
I use a Bellari VP 130 Tube Phono Preamp...but used a different tube than the one that came with the amp. Sounds great.
1380557
can;'t remember the sound of the orginal tube since i immediately replaced it with a amperex 12ax7 which sounded much more musical and sweeter. Also, many other tubes induced that horrible hum. Check out http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html#12AX7 which i've used as my tube bible. My personal favorite in my main system but doesnt sound great in the bellari is the tung sol 5751 which in my main tube system, sounds sweet, detailed with tons of air, light on bass and weight, but the air of the top end sings in my main system.
1114496
This is a perfect 1st tube amp! The tubes will last awhile - most people recommend a year or so, unless you play a TON, in which case less. Good news: tubes are (relatively) cheap. I own this amp and swapped the tubes out for Ruby tubes, and I would recommend it (although the stock tubes aren't terrible for your first tube amp). The beauty of this amp is that it's very easy to change tubes - literally anyone can do it. Just search and you will find instructions on how. You'll need a 12ax7 and 6v6 type tube. The 12ax7 you can trade out for many different kinds for many different tones. The 6v6 can also be swapped, but requires an adapter for smaller EL84 tubes.
1412616
Search Amazon for Bugera V22 tubes and a JJ brand set will come up with all 5 tubes for like 56 bucks. I just ordered me a set and have heard good things about the JJ Tubes. Hope this helps. I'm also changing out the stock 12" speaker to an Eminence Private Jack for that British Marshall tone. They are 94 bucks on Amazon.