Speakers and vacuum tube gear

I agree completely with the comments from Bjesien that reflect how tube electronics work quite well with Verity speakers. I started out driving my Verity Fidelio Encores with a Mark Levinson 334. Although the results were quite good, I was not hearing everything that I knew the speakers were capable of. When I switched from the Levinson to my Accuphase P-3000 (from my secondary system), although the Accuphase is still SS, I feel it has some "tube-like" qualities, and it certainly made the FE's sound more musical. Ultimately I went all tubes with my primary system - ARC REF 3, ARC CD7, and Luxman MQ-88, and the result is stunningly musical. The same combination of electronics also works very well with my Sonus Faber speakers in my secondary system.

And also like Bjesien suggests, taking the time to audition different combinations, preferably in your own listening room, will tell you everything you need to know about compatibility!

To 4musica44107

Do many of you have that option of "auditioning different combinations, preferably in your own listening area"? Man, I know I don't. There is probably only one High End dealer here in NH, with essentially all SS gear, and of course no Verity, Rockport or Magico.
I suspect there are many of us putting together systems based on reviews and tech specs. Less than optimal for sure.
Do you ever lug in an 80 pound tube amp and say to the dealer....hook this up to those speakers?

To Rsasso & Others:

I have been a customer of Don Better (Don Better Audio, Cleveland, OH) for the past year. Don is a fabulous person to work with. He has allowed me to audition various combinations of gear (mine and/or his) at my home and his home. Although it wasn't necessary for the auditions that involved my hopefully soon to be sold ML 334, I did have the option of bringing the amp to his home for auditions. Glad it wasn't necessary as it weighs ~ 100 lbs. and is not easy to grip for lifting.

I realize I am fortunate to have these audition options that Don allows. I suppose he is the exception in this regard for High End gear in Northeast Ohio. I hope that I did not offend you or any others WRT my comment about home auditioning when possible.

Happy listening!

to 4musica

No, no. Not offended, just jealous.

I've owned the Verity Parsifal/Encores for 10 years. They will work very well with many tube amps, but they ARE NOT a specifically tube friendly design. Low power amps, OTLs and SETs may well struggle with the load that the P/E presents them. OTOH, a well matched tube amp can sound wonderful.

Marty