Let's talk tube amps - no ss discussion

Hi,

I feel that it's the always the best to first pick the most efficient pair of speakers you can (e.g. AlNiCo fullrange drivers) and then mate them with the best low-power directly-heated single-ended triodes.

Single-ended triode amps from guys like Jeff Korneff and Gordon Rankin (Wavelength Audio) can be obtained within your price range. People who take this route usually do not look back.

Regards,

David

Listen to Wonjun. He certainly offers an excellent recipe for musical enjoyment. It has definitely worked for me, though luckily with the SET power I have, my speaker options are rather broad. Enjoy.

I also have the Sonic Frontiers Power 3 SE's. The power 3 series is an excellent buy at this time as the prices for the standard 3's are in the $3000-$3500 range used. These amps are very neutral and do provide power on par with many SS amps. I am using with the Hovland preamp and the soundstage is very wide, the midrange is extremely clear and alive, and the extremes do not seem rolled off at all. I agree with Alfina that these are not the amps for a lush tubey sound. If you are looking for neutrality they are pretty good at it.

Manley amps for the power you need will certainly be beyond your budget except the integrated one.

On the other hand if you have 85dB monitors with small woofer and small room you might realy get away with 60W/ch

Otherwise you can get VTL MB185 or MB225 signature used. They're good with low efficiency and heavy speakers and stable to nearly any impedance swings.

Marakanetz-- let's put budget aside for the time being and talk more about the Manelys. The new Mahi Mahi sound great! But, I do need a little more power. Have you heard their 50 watt monoblocks or the 100 watt integrated?