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Tube Watts Vs. Soild-State Watts?

I am considering replacing a large solid-state amplifier with a decent sized tube amp, and was wondering what I may be giving up/gaining by making the change? My speakers are quite sensitive, about 98dB. I love the dynamics and bass control the big SS amp provides, but I would like to get more resolution and detail out of my music. I don't play music at loud volumes, but I do enjoy decent listening levels. Any info appreciated.
333jeffery
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I'm with Al  in regard to the output tube selection process, confirm with NAT  before even thinking about any possible tube alternatives.  This is a serious amplifier with ultra high voltage and I'm certain strict design criteria and circuit and power supply layout. Reviews and word of mouth say this is a superb sounding amplifier. I'd be surprised if it doesn't clearly outperform the Musical Fidelity transistor amplifier currently in use. Jeffery you may discover that you've achieved a world class audio system.  
Charles 
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
454 posts
 
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#ST120
60 wpc tube amp
$ 929 kit without tubes
$1580 wired, with tubes, ready to run

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#M125
120 watt monobloc pair
$1778 kit without tubes
$2795 wired, with tubes, ready to run

Prices include shipping in USA
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,746 posts
 

do you really need that much power with 98db speakers. i'd think a quality built 8-25wc tube amp would be fantastic. I think you'd get more bang for your buck as out put transformers make or break a tube amp (unless you go OTL) and good ones are expensive. I recently put in a 8wpc 300b based SET into my system with 94db Living voice speakers and i'm shocked at how great they work compared to the 50wpc class A SST amp it replaced. I think you should try ( borrow if possible) a high quality low powered amp and I think you will be surprised.


I ended up with the Triode Labs / Finale Audio F 3008  with the James transformer upgrade all around.

halvis
15 posts
 
The only way to know the difference to YOUR ears is to , in the words of NIKE, "Just Do It". I could go on and on about the advantages and disadvantages of each, but that would tell YOU nada. Your motors may prefer one or the other. Unless they are ribbons, electrostatics, planer magnetics, or very difficult loads, I would advise giving tubes a try, especially if they are very efficient. Wouldn't kill you to experiment, might cost you a few hundred $ in flipping if you dont like the result, and even that wouldn't impugn all tube amps based on one experience. Just sayin'.
hauxon's avatar
hauxon
9 posts
 
I’ve nothing new to add to the discussion. I try to see it simplified.

1. You need you solid state amp to not distort. That’s why you should buy as powerful amp as can. Unless you don’t listen very loud.

2. You don’t need as much power from you tube amp since it sounds nicer when distorted. As always more power is good since distortion is bad.

3. If both (good quality) amps are run within their limits they will sound very similar.

And with that in mind I chose a powerful solid state amp for my system. Mostly because high power tube amps are really expensive. ...but an 80wpc tube amp would easily drive my system for 99% of my listening. :)
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