Time to upgrade my amplification. I currently have an Allnic L-7000 preamplifier and a First Watt F4 amplifier. My speakers are single driver, full-range, 8 ohm and probably around 88dB. My room is basically a walk-in closet.
I was full steam ahead to replace the L-7000 with an L-10000. No half measures, right?!? But wait. Then I stumbled onto the Vinnie Rossi L2i SE integrated amplifier. On the used market, the prices are within a few thousand, so cost isn’t really a factor.
L2i SE in favor:
A reduction in box count plus a little more output power would be welcome. There might be something to be said for per/power combo designed to work together. Eject a few cables from the mix, too.
L2i SE against:
A lateral move? I built my First Watt F4 using God Level parts, and the L-7000 is already pretty real. I also don’t need the built in DAC or phono stage. Am I just swapping gear because I’m a gear slut?
L-10000 in favor:
Just look at it! Everything else can absolutely go pound sand.
L-10000 against:
Is what attracts me to it the cost and inconvenience? It’s a million dollars just to replace the tubes. Apparently, you only get “the magic” running it single ended. While I’m single ended to the amp, I’d have to change interconnects (Black Cat Ultranova) to use the single ended inputs. Am I spending money just to be spending money?
Thoughts from folks that have owned/heard this stuff?
I was full steam ahead to replace the L-7000 with an L-10000. No half measures, right?!? But wait. Then I stumbled onto the Vinnie Rossi L2i SE integrated amplifier. On the used market, the prices are within a few thousand, so cost isn’t really a factor.
L2i SE in favor:
A reduction in box count plus a little more output power would be welcome. There might be something to be said for per/power combo designed to work together. Eject a few cables from the mix, too.
L2i SE against:
A lateral move? I built my First Watt F4 using God Level parts, and the L-7000 is already pretty real. I also don’t need the built in DAC or phono stage. Am I just swapping gear because I’m a gear slut?
L-10000 in favor:
Just look at it! Everything else can absolutely go pound sand.
L-10000 against:
Is what attracts me to it the cost and inconvenience? It’s a million dollars just to replace the tubes. Apparently, you only get “the magic” running it single ended. While I’m single ended to the amp, I’d have to change interconnects (Black Cat Ultranova) to use the single ended inputs. Am I spending money just to be spending money?
Thoughts from folks that have owned/heard this stuff?
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