Jvm,
Try to consider Tube amp pre... have the chance to have a Scott vintage intergrated and compared it with my HK iba talaga and separate for audio... each amp have its own characteristic and attack on the music I played.. Jazz and mellow sound Scott and Hk naman for Rock and disco.. sarap hehehe both world pwede just relax and enjoy the music..
I'm aborting my plan to upgrade. I already auditioned the 6300. My impression is that in terms of musicality, there is negligible difference. It's only the power that's the big difference. But in real life listening levels, I would not be able to crank up volume that high so as to really hear the difference. And one important thing also, is that the monney that I would be adding for the upgrade, is almost the price the cheapest Rotel amp that I saw at THT, just add a little more.
I was also advised by Mr. Tuason not to go HK as the company have a problem on parts support.
So, on with plan B; a dedicated audio set-up. I have seen Rotel stereo amps at THT, and they are quite affordable, ranging from 11K-20k. I have also seen and heard a tube amp at arch audio, TS(xxx)?, worth 17k.
I've heard a tube-B2 combi and they really sound great. I have yet to hear any Rotel model. What can you say about Rotels? Would they be a good combi with B2's? I was not able to audition them last Saturday because of time constraints.
What are pro's and con's of tube against integrateds?