Plinius vs Naim vs Valves?

[rambada]

I just had a valve power amp die on me and so Im researching whats suitable. I love the valve sound but the reliability of my Golden Tube SE40 has left me a bit jaded. Awesome kit when going but.....

I am considering a Naim NAP200 or a Plinius 9100 (integrated). Any others in the mix?

My current system consists of:
Linn Sondek, Ittock, AT OC9MkII,
Linn Linto
Naim CD5/Flatcap
Preamp - Prometheus TVC 2 box reference
Speakers - Yamaha NS1000

Music tastes revolve around strings - from Nigel Kennedy to Mettalica. Jazz & doof door is about all I don't listen to. I guess generally its 60s - 80s rock, with some Phantom & Les Mis thrown in (Rather eclectic).

Thoughts please.

[omegaspeedy]

Welcome to the Enz Rambada! Nice gear you have there. There are so many options for power amps out there but I'd guess it would critically depend on what worked well the your TVC. You've already got Naim gear and it would make sense to build on that but you'd have to be sure it would work with a NAP200. I guess the Plinius would mean the TVC would go into retirement? I'd suggest my Dayens Ampino which is the best thing I've heard under $6500 but it probably doesn't have the balls for the Yamaha's but you were running them with valve gear. I think if you really like the valve stuff, see if you can find a reliable good sounding bit of kit, Rouge Audio is well priced and has the watts, Leban but cost could be a bit high, Triode Corp is well priced, if I was you I'd be seriously be looking into that excellent valve amp builder in Australia. He's an SNA member and his amps are stunning! http://www.westonacoustics.com/

[Ernie]

BelCanto's new C5i is a very good integrated with mainly digital inputs, but also one analogue RCA and phono stage. It kills quite a few birds with one hit delivering a warmer, less fatiguing, valve familiar sound without the reliability headaches.

I'd say the onboard DAC would give your CDP a bit of a refresh too...

Otherwise Prima Luna do some great valve gear. Autobiasing relieves you of any maintenance issues and their amps have a big meaty sound. Possibly a bit larger than life.

[56oval]

Hi rambada & AudioEnz

Having meeting Earle http://www.westonacoustics.com/ a couple of times over the years he's a loving bloke and make'a a great tube amp as well very good service and you would have great back up . Also Earle winds all his own transformers .

Another option which I've heard a couple of times would be the Bakoon amplifiers from japan .There brought in by Pat from WarAudio http://www.warco.com.au/ . I love my tube gear but I could live with these as well .

Cheers

[Owen Young]

I love the valve sound but the reliability of my Golden Tube SE40 has left me a bit jaded.Hi Rambada,
What happened with the Golden Tube?

[rambada]

This current episode is being assessed but previously it was a rectifier, some board troubles, dropped a channel, and some other problems I can't remember.

Like I said - fabulous sound when going but it is proving unreliable. I have had it revamped twice now with better quality products but it seems to be unreliable still so maybe design fault? I have persevered for many years as I got it at a great price and it really does sing - goose pimply.

[Owen Young]

I read that GT amps were significantly unreliable... a design or/and build quality problem, more likely the former. Some info here..

http://www.soniccraft.com/upgrades/se40.htm

[got tinnitus]

Naim amps are best used with Naim pre-amps...and vice versa.

Based on that, a 202 pre (with the NAP202) might not be the best match for NS1000's. You'd have a fairly forward sounding system..... But the rig will have bags of pace.

A Supernait, however, will work nicely with NS 1000's.

If you go Naim, make sure you use Naim's NACA5 speaker cable.