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Can 10W 300B tube amp drive Martin Logan Ascent i?

I currently have the Yaqin MS-300C (or Grant Fidelity A-534) integrated tube amp which outputs about 10 Watts. It currently drives a pair of Tekton Lore speakers (98dB) with easy but I'm thinking about getting a pair of Martin Logan Ascent i so just wondering if this low wattage tube amp can drive it. I listen to jazz and pop at a decently loud level.
Thanks,
johncdnt
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Franz456,
The choice of output tube is just simply subjective, there`re too many variables that affect preference. You could have two amps with the same output tube and they could sound radically different.I`ve owned el34,6550/kt88 amps and the best of each breed can be excellent.

My personal favorite type tubes are the DHT(directly heated triode) . When done right the DHT as SET or push-pull has a bit more 'naturalness' and realism of actual instruments and voice(at least to my ears). But that``s just one opinion among many other preferences.The bottom line is the amplifier and speaker have to match properly,thus many different tubes can work in the right situation. For example my speaker is 94db and a 14 ohm load(minimum 10 ohm) this is a wonderful match with my 8 watt 300b amplifier.
Regards,
franz456
24 posts
 
Thanks, Charles1dad.
johncdnt OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all the inputs. I guess I'll be keeping the Tekton Lore speakers for a while as I'm so addicted to the sweet sound of the 300B tubes. In fact, I just ordered a pair of Shuguang Treasure 300B-Z tubes for the Yaqin.

for Franz456: I also had the Yaqin MS-20L with Gold Lion KT-88 tubes, wonderful mid but the bass wasn't as round and tight as the MS-300C so I would recommend the MC-300C over. 9.5W SET is just as strong as 50W push-pull so don't let the low-wattage fool you. But again, both was driving the Tekton Lore which are very sensitive (rated 95-98dB).
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
John makes a good point. With higher sensitivity-higher ohm(load) speakers amp quality matters more than amp power watts. I have a very good push-pull amplifier(100 watt ultra linear and 60 watts in triode mode). The PP amp has a bit more bass weight and impact(not dramatic). In all other areas the 8 watt 300b SET is the better more realistic and natural amplifier.It just sounds more like the real thing in your room.

Franz, I believe the 50 watt amp is a much better choice for your Magnaplanars than the low power SET amplifiers. 4 ohm load and mid 80s efficiency just not a good match for this type of SET amplifier.
Regards,
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