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Tube power vs Solid state power, how much is enoug

Thinking about getting into tubes. My concern is how much is enough? From what I've seen, tube amp power is, on the whole, lower than solid state. I mean - ain't watts, watts? It's sort of confusing. Not being a big fan of non-dynamic (plannar, which there is nothing wrong with them, just not my cup of tea)speakers, I aim to wind up with either BW802, Legacy Focus/whispers, or the like. Unless I can find another way to achieve full range sound with a tube anp, I'll probably use(and really want to), my Krell with the tube, in a two amp configuration, driving one pair of the above mentioned units.

Shouldn't manufacturers just state voltage development or current ratings, instead of watts? Sure, more folks recognize the term watts, as it relates to power. But if it all comes down to how much voltage/current can be developed, and how quickly, then the term "watts", seems arbitrary. More so wehn you talk about "tube amps".

For the most part, I've long since quit looking at specs and just let my ears do the judging. That seems the best route. Problem with that is my ears usually end up arguing with my wallet, heart, and what is left of my brain. Some of these arguments are frightful. The winner is not always the ears. More times than not, the wallet wins. (not always), but usually. I try to leave the brain out of it as much as possible. Although, in this instance, I need to throw the brain a bone so I ask this question.

Just how do you figure out tube watts vs. solid state?

Please help my poor, ignored, seldom the winner, brain.

Thanks,
the brain
blindjim
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Thanks Jeff

Now, for the next hurdle. Matching amps.

I want to run SS on the bottom and a tube, on top. Go figure. (primarily because I have SS, I like already - just need a tube.)

It's been pointyed out to me recently to get a match "look at the output voltages of the amps. Final output? Primary? In between?

Gonna use both of them to run B&W 03 or 02's with.

Any suggestions B&W is pretty sketchy about this, as they rate impedance somewhat differently than most.
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
I owned a pair of B&W 802 Matrix III's for several years. Amplifier power ratings aside, solid state amps control woofers on power hungry, moderately large loudspeakers such as the 802's better than their tube equivelants. I drove my B&W's with a Threshold T-200 SS amp very nicely. I too toyed with the idea of changing to a tube amp and after a dealer listening session using a tube amp rated at 80 watts / channel, it was instantly clear that although there was much to admire about the overall qualities of the tubes, the woofers in the B&W's were soft and unfocused compared to use with my Threshold. The best situation for someone who cannot afford or does not have the room for a powerful tube amp - they are big! - I recommend a tube preamp and a solid state amp which will give you the tube sound you desire with the bass control necessary for best enjoyment.
s23chang
619 posts
 
I own a pair of the original ATC SCM 10 passive and they're 80db (I have not seen anything lower) speakers and extreme power hungry as expected. I used a krell fb300 (300Watt) and it sounded grainy and harsh. I then switched to Mac MC240 (55Watt) and it sounded warm and sweet but not as dynamic. I then switched to Lafayette KT-550 (60Watt) and it is the best match I ever heard coming out from these speakers with warm, sweet and dynamic. Just like the SS gear, not all tube gear are created equal. Don't just truss power ratings because you have no idea how it was measured.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Well, all the comments have merit. I do appreciate them greatly. Thank you.

Learned a lot since I opened this thread. some startling things as well. Like just how much power is actually running the speakers at any given time. Usually less than 20 watts. Also, just how much better good tube amps sound than similarly priced solids.

Hence I am sold on the idea to bi amp. two reasons.

One - don't have to lose my existing solid state amp.
Two - get to enjoy fuller sweeter, more rounded and life like music. That's the ticket, right?

Now just which tube AMP (S)? And which tubes in the tube amp to use? pUSH PULL, FEEDBACK, SELF BIASING, CATHODE FOLLOWER. . . . mAN! wHAT A BUNCH OF STUFF TO DEAL WITH.

PRETTY SURE I'LL GO WITH THE ONE THAT SOUNDS BEST, IN MY PRICE RANGE, AND NEEDS THE LEAST INVOLVEMENT ON MY PART.

Any suggestions, apart from the Laffeyett? Used or new?

Thanks to all.
bartokfan
664 posts
 
I have a Jadis 40 watt intergrated Orchestra Reference, has 4 KT90's. I just built a pr of Seas' Thor's, rated 87db, that is extremely low. The little Jadis has no problem, provided the treble and bass tone controls are given a little boost. Results, Rich bass, clean(no bark) mids, no frothy or "fake" highs. Thus tubes can drive super low sensitive speakers. Provided its a good tube amp. In contrary the big 100 watt Rotel ss amp, 981, sounds like pure Class Grabage on the Thors.
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