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Tube Amps With Good Bass Qualities

I have been reading over posts about tube amps and their bass qualities. I understand that for the most part, that a ss amp with have an edge in bass qualities compared to a tubed amp. Damping factor, etc. But I can give up a little of that edge for what I enjoy in the midrange qualities of a tubed amp. So my question is, what tube power amps have you heard that have good bass qualities?  Raven, Quicksilver, Mac, etc.?   Let's give a price point. 5K or under. What do you think?
jwlaff
divertiti
225 posts
 
Line Magnetic, absolutely insane performance for the money. LM 518ia is long time Stereophile class A integrated and the LM 508ia has even more oomph and more dynamic.
nquery
103 posts
 
Agreed on the Line Magnetic. The LM-805ia - which has replaced the 508ia but with similar specs - lists for the OP's 5k price point and has a negative feedback control with 4 positions.
celtic66
1,648 posts
 
Manley Mahi Mahi mono blocks.  These are scary good providing a solid foundation for bass.  They are very quick with EL 84 tubes and get the midrange right.  These blast away so many stereotypes falsely attributed to tube amplification.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Another vote for Atman-Sphere.  I have the M-60s with the upgraded power supply driving speakers that are basically 10 Ohms (minimum is about 8, I think), and the bass is deep and articulate.   I couldn't be happier.  But as has been well articulated above, you have to have a happy match between speaker and amp.   If you don't get this right you are going to have issues.  BTW, these amps are gems from top to bottom.  Get the right tube complement and these amps sing like angels.
luisma31
516 posts
 
@brownsfan
Another vote for Atman-Sphere

I completely agree, and I will also add that most speakers with  drivers presenting a 8/10 ohms load (or more) "nominal" will provide good bass qualities for most tube amps, that's the "happy match" you mentioned. I have MA-1's and love the sound. BTW which "right tube complement" you have (power and driver tubes)




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