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Good tube amps to consider wit Spendor S5e

My system consists of Vishnu power cord, Benchmark DAC1, VTL 2.5 Pre, Bryston 3B ST Amp and Spendor S5e speakers. I would like to explore the benefits of upgrading to a tube amp.

I have looked into the Unison Research P30K, but have some reservations about it's compatability with the Spendors. I read that for Single Ended Triode amps I should stick to 93+ dB/1W/1m sensitivity and impedance of 8+ ohms nominal and no dips below 6 ohms minimum.

My Spendors are at 87 dB nominal, 8 ohms nominal and 4.4 ohms minimum.

Are there SET amps that would match well with my Spendors in the $2-3K price range.
pjboud
steveaudio
331 posts
 
I think you'll be very unhappy trying to use an SET amp with 87 dB efficiency speakers.....if anything I'd be thinking about trying an even more powerful SS amp, not a less powerful tube amp.....or else just stick with the 3Bst.....
Post removed 
stang500hpaol
51 posts
 
I agree with Clio09
ya need the power for these speakers to go
to their best.
I have tried many amps on them and
I was truly amazed what the Rogue 150 Mono blocks
did hooked up with Nordost wire.
Cheers johnnyr
pjboud OP
16 posts
 
Very useful and interesting input. Based on your feedback I've decided to start exploring higher wattage push-pull amps. Will have an opportunity to audition the VTL 150 at home in a week or so. Will let you know what comes out of it. Thanks.
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
There is more to this than just power output.You will probably need a higher damping factor which is almost beyond valve amps.I understand though that Supratek is developing a KT88 amp with a much higher damping factor[maybe as high as 200].It might pay to wait and see what comes from this.
I have owned and loved Spendor speakers but they are not easy to drive.

JT
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