kenny36 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I have a pair of Klipsch La Scala's (1978 model). My amp died and I want to try tubes. I'm looking at the following but I am open for suggestions. Cary-Sli80 Mcintosh - MA2275 Mcintosh - MC275/C220 Any help will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Welcome to the forum! Not from personal experience, but I have heard the McIntosh MC275 was a fantastic match to LaScalas. And I expect there is no better match to the MC275 than the C220. Some day I will have a budget for such a pairing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube fanatic Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 What is your budget? How loudly do you listen, and to what type of music? How large is your listening room? And why do you think you need that much power? Sorry for all of the questions, but clarifying these points will make it easier to recommend suitable equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I have tried a variety of amps with my K-horn and La Scala speakers. My 300B Grant Fidelity sounds absolutely superb, but I recent acquired a little Sophia Electric Baby that I am using with my La Scalas. The price was quite reasonable, $400 in mint condition, used off A-gon. The sound is quite good and for such a little tube amp the bass is very good as well, better than many bigger more powerful amps I have tried. It wont blow you out of the room, but at least for me that is ok. But, If you can afford Mcintosh stuff you might want to try a good 300B amp, it is by far the best sounding amp I have heard paired with the big Klipsch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny36 Posted November 23, 2011 Author Share Posted November 23, 2011 Thanks for the responses so far. I should have provided more information. Answer to questions: Budget around $8000 - Listening level, medium - Type of music, wide variety, anything from Frank Sinatra to Led Zeppelin to jazz. - Room, 400 square feet. I'm not sure how much power I need since I've never owned a tube amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Bum Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 If I had 'Scalas and the budget, VRDs by Craig/NOSvalves would be on the short list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube fanatic Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 With LaScalas in a room of that size, and medium listening levels, you don't need much power at all. In fact, 2 or 3 watts/channel would probably be more than enough. While your budget puts you in the zone of some extremely fine tube equipment, it really isn't necessary to spend more than a fraction of that to achieve amazing sound. You need to decide whether you want an integrated amp or separates and check out the various offerings. Where are you located? The best thing is to locate some folks who can bring over a variety of tube amps for you to audition in your own system. Check out the offerings from companies like Decware (www.decware.com). They allow you a 30 day return privelege with a small restocking fee iirc. Prima Luna also has some great amps at far less than your budget. Use the money you save to buy yourself some other "toys!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Bum Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Check out the offerings from companies like Decware Their Torii just got a gushing review from Tone Audio. Reviewer bought the review sample. 25 watts, with claimed SET like personality. Well under budget. Sounds very interesting, particularly with the 30 day return policy. Extended in home auditions can't be beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deafbykhorns Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 The new Mcintosh are sterile in my opinion and perform more like a good SS amp. I like the vintage stuff better on my Khorns Even a good Pilot amp would do well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BE36 Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 I have done thre A-B-A between MC-240 and VRDs. The MC is the best on vocals but not by much. VRDs win everything else, especialy the bass by a large margin. When I want the MC sound in my VRDs I just through in Mullards in the 12AX7 slot and that gets real close to MC sound. Or I could just hook up the MC-240 but it has been over two years since I have felt the newd to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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