I currently run a Fisher 400, which was completely rebuilt by the late Paul Grzybek, of Bizzy Bee audio in Chicago (a noted Fisher expert).  It's a wonderful receiver, but as it's only the second tube amp I've owned, I haven't experienced many to compare it to.  The rest of my system is all analog.  I run a rebuilt AR XA as my second table (currency set up to play mono albums) and my main table is an Empire 208 with a Jelco 750D arm and AT150Mlx cartridge.  It's running through a Parks Audio Budgie tubed phono preamp.  The AR runs through the phono stage of the Fisher (which isn't bad).  I currently run modded Klipsch Forte II speakers, which I enjoy.  But I'm knee deep in a build of a pair of Decware ZOB speakers, which will utilize the TB W8-1808 drivers.  

Anyway, I'm getting restless, and am wondering what a next logical progression would be for my system, to improve on the Fisher (and assuming I'll be running the ZOB's).  As it probably is for many of you, this is a "self-funded" hobby, so I don't have scads of cash laying around to spend.  That said, I could probably free up $1500 or so if I sold the Forte II's and the Fisher.  Could I improve on my my amp stage for that kind of money, or would it take a bit more?  I'm not at all opposed to buying off the used market, by the way.  Any suggestions on what you might do in my position?  I don't need a tuner, so an amp/preamp combo or integrated amp would be fine.  I also don't care if I have the second phono stage, as I have a Cambridge 640p sitting on the shelf.  For the ZOB's, which I believe will be about 94-95dB efficient, what type of amp would you suggest?  I've never tried a low-power amp (although the Fisher is only 28W/ch, so it's not a monster by any means).  

So help guide a relatively inexperienced tubie as to where to go next.  By the way, I listen to a lot of jazz, classic rock, prog rock, singer/songwriter stuff, etc.  Not much classical, and no rap, hip-hop, etc.  I have a purpose-built dedicated listening room (12'x17') and like to turn the lights way down and get totally lost in the music.  I'm not a headbanger at all (although I do like to turn it up once in a while!).  Which I would have known about Zen fest in time, so I could listen to some amps.  I actually live relatively close, in SE WI.  

Thanks!

Tom

I have a Fisher 500C that is not upgraded like your 400 BUT having just received a Rachael and ZP3 I can tell you that we are discussing day and night. If you want to get really lost in the music, you are on the correct path. Decware amps are not your standard ''tubey'' product. When broken in with a thoughtfully set up room, you will be so lost we'll see your picture on a milk carton. Tight and articulate bass and mids, extended top end with all the musical harmonics present. These pieces are a great gateway to musical enjoyment, and you will find yourself laughing when you get your next copy of your favorite audio magazine...Enjoy and keep us posted. Happy listening, Chris.

The Rachael is an amp that you can order with one or two volume controls, no pre-amp in it. I am running my phono straight into the amp (with single vc) and get plenty of gain/volume with my less than ideal speakers (89/90db). You may want to check out the ZOB pages and see what people are running these with. If 6 watts is enough, the Rachael is a wonderful product. IMHO. Happy listening, Chris.

It would be a shame to sell the fortes to finance this.  They pair well w/ the Mini Torii, and even better with it's bigger brothers.  Fortes>>>ZOB, going from the former to the latter is a backwards move (IMO, ymmv, usual disclaimers).

Lonely- want to guess what was in my mailbox tonight?? Yep, new TAS. Been home two hours and I haven't even cracked it yet. Happy listening, Chris.

I have a Rachael setup and live about 15 minutes north of Lonely Raven in the Chicago burbs.  I have a TT but not a good one and certainly not a good phono pre, but I could show you how a digital source sounds with a Rachael.  

I don't listen to speakers anymore, just an enveloping wall of sound with really good instrument placement within said wall.

That said, I would say +1 to what Raven said.  Steve can show you combos of speakers/amps to suit your needs.

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Dude, you're not kidding. I've been thinking about your system a lot lately. It really makes me crave a dedicated room - and I feel sorry for those that think they have "it" in soundstage.  :)

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Well you came to the right place. Steve doesn't make clunkers as far as I've seen and heard. Everything needs to please him before it's ready for public consumption - I've been happy with every amp I've heard from Decware.

and tlarwa, I was/am in a similar situation with the college tuition and I got started with a Rachael.  Best hifi purchase of my life and took me down a path to really sweet sound.  With the ZOB I believe you could  also get by with a 2 watt zen amp at a lower cost (used even).  Raven loaned me his 15 year old zen and it sounds great.

Beautiful build on the ZOB BTW.

I think its a tube.  I replaced the rectifier and the input tube and the swishing is gone.  Still a hum, but its barely audible from the listening position.

Listening now.  Pretty sweet for a 15 year old 2w amp.

Lonely Raven wrote on 11/19/14 at 21:30:29:

My Zen Amp #27 is likely as old! It was upgraded to "A" status but not any further; went with a Select after that. Talk about seasoned!

Seriously, if you want to hear what Decware can do on a budget, we need to talk Palomino into hosting us at his place. I think he's spent less on his whole setup then I did on my Mystery Amp alone! His room is setup well, and I can drag my gear over there. I'd be curious to hear your speakers on his setup. Message him and see if he's up for it. I'm off on staycation all next week, getting some stuff done on the house. So I'm available.

You are not that far.  Check your messages.