2. amps-preamps
  3. 128749-92204

Tube Watts Vs. Soild-State Watts?

I am considering replacing a large solid-state amplifier with a decent sized tube amp, and was wondering what I may be giving up/gaining by making the change? My speakers are quite sensitive, about 98dB. I love the dynamics and bass control the big SS amp provides, but I would like to get more resolution and detail out of my music. I don't play music at loud volumes, but I do enjoy decent listening levels. Any info appreciated.
333jeffery
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The tube amp that I am looking at is about 80wpc single-ended class A
Your not going to find a one tube single ended triode at 80w unless you get one that uses the 833 tube.
Or it’s going to have to be a paralleled tube set using a pair of these tubes 211,845,805,GM70,VT4C

These 2 x GM70’s in set will give you 45w.
http://www.tubeguru.eu/poweramplifiers-/gm-70-pse-triode-parallel/

A paralleled pair 13E1 in set will get to 70w
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/cymer/2.html
Cheers George
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I seriously doubt if the referenced single tube "transmitter" tube was designed for wideband audio reproduction. Sounds (no pun intended) like a component used for (tele)communication applications. Curios to hear more about it.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
NAT Audio uses a Phillips QB 5/1750 tetrode to generate 80 watts from a single tube. 
Charles 
333jeffery OP
122 posts
 
Yep, I went ahead and bought the NAT Transmitter amp. I'll have to go on Ebay and get some spare QB5/1750 tubes for it. NAT equipment looks very impressive, I hope the sound is as good. My solid-state amp was very dynamic, but somewhat lacking in detail. We'll see if the tube amp can fix that.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I believe the chances are very good that you'll have success with this NAT amplifier matched with your Tekton DI speakers. Let us know your listening impressions when you have the time.. Congratulations.
Charles
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