So I have slowly been getting into this whole audiophile thing the last couple of years (and I am definitely not as hard core as some) and am wondering about getting into the tube amp arena. Currently I am using a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge turntable with a NAD D3020 V2 (I'm not looking for volume just quality sound) with Klipsch RP-600M speakers in a small (12' x 14') room. I am considering getting a Reissong A10 EL34 tube amp since i have read good reviews on it and for the price doesn't seem to be a horribly expensive investment to dip my toes into the tube arena. So I have two questions: 1. recognizing that listening is subjective (my spouse doesn't hear the difference between different records that i do), is there really a noticeable sound difference with a tube amp? and 2. given my set up, it is my understanding that I will need a phone/pre-amp before the Reissong tube amp so could i use a second Reissong tube amp to act as a pre amp or is there a different recommended pre amp? any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Register to hide this ad
The Reissong A10 EL34 is a single ended amp, I understand switchable between triode mode and Ultra linear mode. In UL mode the specs say 12 watts per channel and I would guess in triode mode about 5 watts per channel. Now on the other hand the NAD you referenced says 30 watts per channel. So assuming you can live with the smaller power output (which is speaker, room, music style dependent), I think you can expect quite a different sonic presentation between these two amps.
Last edited:
Thanks for the response. I appreciate it. I realize that I wont get tons of volume but with my current amp I don't either. as you suggested, it is more the quality of the sound that I am looking for (specifically a more pronounced stage or imaging). If I go with the Reissong it is my understanding that I will need a preamp or use a second as a preamp since my TT does not have a built in amp and the Reissong does not have a phono input. Is this correct? Again thanks for the help.
You do not need a separate line level preamp, because the Reissong is an integrated amp. Notice it has a volume control on the front of the unit. I can't seem to find it right now, but I remember reading that the sensitivity is 0.35V, or thereabouts, which is sensitive enough to be driven directly by line level source components, such as a DAC, CD player, or digital music source such as your phone.
It does not have a built in phono stage, so yes you will need a separate phono preamp to bring the minuscule signal from the turn table output up to line level output. So the signal chain would be essentially this:
Turn Table --> phono preamplifier --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
or this for a CD player:
CD player --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
Clear as mud??
It does not have a built in phono stage, so yes you will need a separate phono preamp to bring the minuscule signal from the turn table output up to line level output. So the signal chain would be essentially this:
Turn Table --> phono preamplifier --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
or this for a CD player:
CD player --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
Clear as mud??
perfect! Thank you very much! I was 90% sure that was the answer but wanted to make sure before I have all the facts before I commit to a decision. So the next question I need to answer myself is for a few hundred dollars, is it worth trying it out? And if so, how do I explain to the wife that I want a second amp!You do not need a separate line level preamp, because the Reissong is an integrated amp. Notice it has a volume control on the front of the unit. I can't seem to find it right now, but I remember reading that the sensitivity is 0.35V, or thereabouts, which is sensitive enough to be driven directly by line level source components, such as a DAC, CD player, or digital music source such as your phone.
It does not have a built in phono stage, so yes you will need a separate phono preamp to bring the minuscule signal from the turn table output up to line level output. So the signal chain would be essentially this:
Turn Table --> phono preamplifier --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
or this for a CD player:
CD player --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
Clear as mud??
You do not need a separate line level preamp, because the Reissong is an integrated amp. Notice it has a volume control on the front of the unit. I can't seem to find it right now, but I remember reading that the sensitivity is 0.35V, or thereabouts, which is sensitive enough to be driven directly by line level source components, such as a DAC, CD player, or digital music source such as your phone.
It does not have a built in phono stage, so yes you will need a separate phono preamp to bring the minuscule signal from the turn table output up to line level output. So the signal chain would be essentially this:
Turn Table --> phono preamplifier --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
or this for a CD player:
CD player --> Reissong integrated amplifier --> Speakers
Clear as mud??
chrisr2020
Member
Note the reisong only works in ultra linear mode, 6wpc. It is sufficient in mid/near-field to achieve conversation level (70db) 6ft away with 88db speakers, so it all depends on how far away you are from your speakers and their sensitivity. Many have reported that it is an excellent match with the klipsch 600, and it will play significant louder.
If you listen near/mid-field, I would not hesitate. get one.
If you listen near/mid-field, I would not hesitate. get one.