Tube Amp/Preamp recommendations

[Mikado463]

Well since you mentioned Rogue I would suggest you audition the M-180 Mono Blocks, just might be 'the' bargin in KT-120 amplification.

[TommyC]

The Prima Luna flagship preamp and mono blocks will fit your bill nicely.

[mbovaird]

Thanks - but I unfortunately don't live in CA.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Thanks - but I unfortunately don't live in CA.

Just a suggestion Hopefully you have a local brick and mortar high-end audio shop where you can audition some of these suggestions. If you go with a tube power amp, you will need a lot of power to drive your Salons. I would stick with a high-current SS amo mated to a tube pre. The Aesthetix Atlas power amp (stereo or mono configuration) would be very good, because there is a tube in the input stage but the output stage is SS. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by chessman

Looks like you are right. This from Home Theater Review:

Home theater owners and environmentalists alike will appreciate the Cinema bypass feature, which is automatically engaged when the unit is powered off.

Now that is a cool feature. And an unusual one.

Randy,

You own a lot of great BAT gear. Do you think the vk150se's would drive the Salon 2's? There is a pair of lightly used ones on agon for $6k. Not sure of that's a good price or not. I always wonder if you don't get more bang for your buck buying something newer....it seems that $5,000 preamps today would be equal to $20,000 preamps 5 years ago. Same for amps? Maybe...

Not sure I could afford them (or if they would work), but I found out by accident that VAC audio is 3 minutes from my house! Something like the VAC phi 300.1

[mbovaird]

Just saw the prices of the VAC gear....nope.....can't afford it.

[chessman]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Randy,

You own a lot of great BAT gear. Do you think the vk150se's would drive the Salon 2's? There is a pair of lightly used ones on agon for $6k. Not sure of that's a good price or not. I always wonder if you don't get more bang for your buck buying something newer....it seems that $5,000 preamps today would be equal to $20,000 preamps 5 years ago. Same for amps? Maybe...

Not sure I could afford them (or if they would work), but I found out by accident that VAC audio is 3 minutes from my house! Something like the VAC phi 300.1

Here is a link to a Stereophile set of measurements regarding your speaker.

Revel Ultima Salon2 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

I am a hobbyist, not an engineer, so take my technical impressions with a grain of salt. The article writer stated a concern that a tube rig might sound bright because of the low impedance between 17 H and 600 H. I am a little concerned that a tube amp would sound flabby in the bass. The BAT VK-150 SE amps are 150 watts into either 8 or 4 ohms, which I fear is not enough oomph to make the Salons shine. The speakers have magnificent specs, so you ought not impair them if you can avoid it.

Keeping in mind that flabby bass yields harmonics that cloud the midrange and shrinks the soundstage, I would opt for iron control on the bass range. I would still go solid state amp and tube preamp.

Someone here must have actual experience with Salon 2's. Hopefully they will share their experiences.

[mbovaird]

Ok, seriously - what about a McIntosh 2301 amp and c500 preamp setup for my Revel Salon 2's?

Also, Does the c500 have a built in DAC? Just asking...

[joeinid]

No built in DAC in the C500. Most would agree that is a good thing. I'm not sure the 2301's are a good match for the Salon 2's. I think they need big SS power. I would use a tube preamp though.

[mbovaird]

Wow! 300 watts tube is not enough? Should I just look at the 601s or 1.2k's and add the c500 for tube warmth? Man, I really want those 2301's! Help 2301 owners....enough power?