Domenic Posted October 9, 2022 Share Posted October 9, 2022 A little trepidatious about venturing into this particular pool, but what is the consensus on old, quality tube receivers vs. new tube mono blocks with a preamp? I have a pair of Belles, unmolested, that I know can sound better than they do. Great in some ranges, a touch shrill in others, not as defined a sound stage as I would like. Right now they are powered by an NAD amp from the 80s or 90s (can't remember; those years are a bit foggy). Before I go down the path of re-capping and then changing out drivers, I think I need to power the Belles with quality tube amplification to give them a shot at a fair showing. I've read good things about vintage (hate that word as I am now officially "vintage") receivers like Fisher and some Scotts and a few others. They can still be purchased for about $1,000 whose makes them a bargain over mono blocks and a preamp. The contender for new amplification for me is likely Quicksilver's Horn Amp and preamp. Big difference in fiscal outlay - $1,000 for the vintage stuff, roughly $2,500 for the Quicksilver stuff. I have heard nothing but very complimentary things about Quicksilver and just have a good feeling about the owner and the company. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 The years of research have resulted in better sounding gear available now, if you choose well. I would buy newer, if not brand new components. I have always been a fan of separates over receivers, even though I have a few receivers, now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcbiz Posted October 13, 2022 Share Posted October 13, 2022 QuickSilver. You couldn't even buy a DIY kit for his prices, and the quality is exceptionally high. I have the preamp with remote, and the Mid Mono blocks currently running KT-150s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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