Will a tube amp work well on Revel f208?


Hi,
Two different stereo store salesmen both told me to use a tube integrated amp (primaluna evo 400, or Ayon V) on my Revel f208.  I live in an apartment, so I rarely listen at concert levels (rock,pop,80's,modern music,etc) ,  But due to that speaker's impedance swings, it's in the 4 ohm region a lot  and needs a 4 ohm capable amp.  I was told by someone else that the Revel f208 likes high current, (Which won't be found in a tube amp?).  I was considering something like Hegel or anthem integrated STR before the prima Luna evo 400  was recommended.  Can  Somebody with actual knowledge chime in so I am not at the mercy of salesman or misinformation?  The speakers are revel  f208 and I'd like to stick with an integrated and stream for simplicity (I have node 2i)Thanks!
128x128labguy

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

Watts is watts - that is the old wife's tales that a 50-watt tube amp plays louder than a 200-watt SS.

People still believe this stuff in this day and age blows my mind.

@botrytis The reason that myth persists is due to how tube amps distort. They have 'soft' clipping and when doing so can generate just enough higher ordered harmonics so that they will sound louder than they really are.

This is because the ear uses the higher ordered harmonics to sense how loud a sound is. As long as the more powerful solid state amp is only a few dB more powerful (200W is only 6dB louder than 50W) this illusion caused by distortion masquerading as power can hold together.