wolf
If the ARC Ref 75 was called the ARC 75, omitting the " ref " would it sound anywhere as good?
If the ARC Ref 75 was called the ARC 75, omitting the " ref " would it sound anywhere as good?
Tube Power Amp Suggestions
I have been looking for a tube power amp. Ideally I want to have about 40 to 70 watts output power, with sound qualities as close to a delicate SET amp as possible, with lots of details, fast, good tone (a tiny bit on the warm side) and imaging, yet with good bass and dynamic. Budget is about 10,000. Second-hand is fine. I know I am asking really too much and will probably get negative response because of this. I just want to get the best within my budget.
My initial considerations are EAR 890 or EAR 861. What do you think?
I heard people saying that push-pull amp can be better than SET if it is implemented well, but push-pull is more difficult to make than a SET amp.
My speakers are measured 91db sensitivity, but it needs power to perform well. I have tried both a SET 300B XLS output at 13W and a push-pull EL34 at about 35W. My impression is as follow:
- SET 300B XLS output at 13W: more delicate and smooth, better resolution and density, lack bass and dynamic
- Push-pull EL34 at 35W: much more bass and dynamic, sounds a bit coarse, less 3-dimensional and delicate
Thank you in advance for your input.
My initial considerations are EAR 890 or EAR 861. What do you think?
I heard people saying that push-pull amp can be better than SET if it is implemented well, but push-pull is more difficult to make than a SET amp.
My speakers are measured 91db sensitivity, but it needs power to perform well. I have tried both a SET 300B XLS output at 13W and a push-pull EL34 at about 35W. My impression is as follow:
- SET 300B XLS output at 13W: more delicate and smooth, better resolution and density, lack bass and dynamic
- Push-pull EL34 at 35W: much more bass and dynamic, sounds a bit coarse, less 3-dimensional and delicate
Thank you in advance for your input.
57 responses Add your response
I would highly recommend you have a look at Don Sachs' custom KT88 amplifier, which at ~$2500 is SOTA and might only better bettered by spending 4X as much. It is a brilliant design, based on the many years that Don has spent upgrading HK Citation gear. I suggest you Google him at "Don Sachs Consulting" and inform yourself of his 70 wpc tube amp that will go to head to head with the best tube amps available. I have his third generation 6SN7-powered preamp and it is by far the best that I have ever heard in my system, no question about it. |
I am interested to see that the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL 40 got the same glowing recommendation in this thread that I've read in other Audiogon discussions. Because of forum comments and a recent review, I took an opportunity to try out this amp at home. Mid range clarity was impressive, but with my 91dB, 8 ohm Devore floorstanders, the soundstage was smaller and it sounded less dynamic & engaging than other conventional P-P tube amps such as the Leben CS1000P. I have read some of the other suggestions here with interest. Have you made s decision? |
Sorry I have not made up my mind yet. Still using my same old 300B. Now I am also considering solid-state for better bass and control. Interested in Nagra Classic Amp. Heard some very goods comments on forums. A user even matches it with Rockport speaker and was impressed! But a friend told me he's not impressed after he saw the components inside the amp. I am even considering Soulution... I am worried about making the wrong decision. Home audition seems impossible in Hong Kong. Thank you all for your comments and help indeed. I will sure let you all know If I buy a new amp. |
Yup, take your time. It is possible, by the way, to get better bass from tubes. 300B and EL34 amps are known for being a bit rounded off in the bottom end. Better bass can be had from other tubes. The KT-?? family of tubes will normally put out better bass than EL34s, and in the SET world, 845 amps will normally do better down there than 300Bs. Do you happen to know of Richard Austen, a reviewer for Dagogo. He also lives in Hong Kong and perhaps he could give you some tips on where to get good service. He often posts on the Canuck Audio Mart forums (I think he's a Canadian), so perhaps you could get in touch with him through there. Just an idea. http://www.dagogo.com/staff Here's a thread he started on CAM: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=45014 |
Big fish, In your original post you seemed attracted to the tone, nuance and 3 dimensional qualities of the 300b. I’ve heard the Soulution amplifiers on several occasions and it quite a different sound from a good 300b amplifier. You may like the Soulution as much or even more than the 300b. Just know they’re different. I hope you’re able to audition the Soulution. As I had earlier posted, a 211, 845 or 805 tubed SET or push pull amplifier would likely be a good compromise given the sonic character you seek. Charles |