Tube Integrated Amp for Dynaudio Focus 140


Looking for suggestions for Tube integrated amp or hybrid integrated that will be a good match for my Dynaudio Focus 140 speakers. The speakers impedance is 4 ohms, sensitivity 86db. Budget around 3500.00 to 5000.00. I mostly listen to rock, jazz & blues. I have always owned solid state amps and was thinking of switching to tubes. I have done a little research and it seems tubes amps require speakers with higher sensitivity ratings compared to what i have. I checked stereophile recommended components and the absolute sound editors choice, and found products from Unison Research, Primaluna and one from Audio Research that fall within my budget. The power ratings of those products range from 35,40 & 50 watts per channel. Not sure if that is enough power or would a hybrid be a better choice.

Thanks
Brian
brian27b
Looking at John Atkinson's measurements on the Stereophile site, that's not a very difficult load for an amplifier. All the amps you mentioned will drive them just fine.

Unless you are regularly listening at ear splitting levels and setting them up in a large room, quality watts of at least 20 or so would be appropriate.

I have Dynaudio 52SE running off a 20 watt tube amp and want for nothing. However, I've also run them with several hundred watts of solid state and they do like to go loud without breaking a sweat.

Dynaudio uses great drivers that can be played very loud and maintain their composure, so if you enjoy going loud, go for the watts. If you don't need the watts to reach your listening levels and are ready to try some tubes, you shouldn't let the sensitivity issue worry you. Most people are quite shocked at how few tube watts are needed to produce plenty of decibels.

Keep this in mind when considering watts. It takes a doubling of watts to increase the spl a mere 3 decibels. That means that the difference in a 50 watt amp and a 100 watt amp is only 3 dbls.

I'd suggest giving the Primaluna serious consideration based on its autobias circuitry. That takes a lot of the fear of tubes out of the equation for people new to them. Not to mention it's a damn nice sounding amp that is built like a tank. You'll find out real quick what tubes are all about and whether or not they are for you. If they don't float your boat, the amp is always in high demand and you won't take a bath on it.
I tried McIntosh among others for my previous Focus 160 and there were no doubt in that Audio Research was the best partner, I tried ARC VS-115 power amp, highly recommended!
I have used a Primaluna Dialogue One for several years now, and it is a lovely sounding amp, and is plenty powerful for a 35W tube amp. Totally reliable IME.
You should look into the Raven Night Hawk or Black Hawk . Do not let the 20 watt rating discourage you. Second to none customer service ,No answering machines at Raven