Tube amp Questions


Hi everyone

The questions are… What tube amp setup would you reccommend to incorporate into this configuration?

What do you look for in a good Tube Amp?

I like the HK 990. However I would like to move to the Tube end of things and experience that sound.

I know I will need to audition a few to see what sound I prefer. I just figured with all the knowlegde and experience on this forum a couple of you could suggest some give a listen to.

Looking at around a $3000 limit.

My current system is…

Harman Kardon HK990 intergrated

Revel F52 speakers

SVS PB12 NSD Sub

VPI Aries Scout with an Ortofon 2m Bronze mm cart

Herron VTPH 1mm phono preamp

Oppo 105D 

Belden BJC LC-1 interconnects

12 gauge, 87 strand, oxygen free copper speaker cables

The SVS Sub and VPI are nicely isolated. 

I'm going to upgrade the sub to a SVS SB13 Ultra. 

Thanks for taking some time out of your day to respond.

Peace,

Mark




meambler
theothergreg
101 posts
09-09-2016 1:05am
Specs I saw said 87.5db sensitivity.
theothergreg, you might want to read my post (above/before yours) in this thread. I believe the stated spec of 87.5dB is not totally correct.... 
The Revel F52 is not a speaker that should be used with a tube power amp. In addition to the low sensitivity, reviews have cited issues with impedance and phase angle and said it is somewhat difficult to drive. Since you want tubes in the system, the hybrid integrated with tube preamp and ss power amp is the best choice.

bombaywalla1,954 posts09-09-2016 5:14am
theothergreg
101 posts
09-09-2016 1:05am
Specs I saw said 87.5db sensitivity.
theothergreg, you might want to read my post (above/before yours) in this thread. I believe the stated spec of 87.5dB is not totally correct....


@bombaywalla:  Noted, thanks.
Hi Mark...I have F52`s and I had a Rogue ST 90 with KT 120`s and it sounded very nice !
 I decided to sell the Rogue and look for a tube amp with more power.
Meanwhile, as a stop gap I bought a Class D Audio SDS 470C which has 300 watts @ 8 ohm, 600 watts @ 4 ohm.
Now I`m having a hard time justifying a move away from the 470C.
The width is way wide, has nice depth and plenty of power (never pushed it hard though)
I just added some tubes into the mix with a Herron phono stage and that may be the answer/solution to some of the differences I heard between the two amps.

I don`t agree that the F52`s should not be used with tube amps.
I may even go back to a Rogue via an Atlas Magnum or ST100. I`m sure the M180`s would be REALLY nice !!!
 A Quicksilver V4 is an interesting option too.
Anyway the SDS 470 is only $700 or so and IMO priced way too low for how good it sounds.