tlarwa
|
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
|