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Tube Integrated Amp to Drive Floorstanding Speakers?

forgive me, but i'm a relative newbie to audiophile concepts.  i am looking to build a 2 channel system for music that i can grow with.  currently i have a VPI Prime, Soundsmith MKIII cart.   I'm using a vintage kenwood KA-9100 driving Elac Uni F bookshelf speakers for my office.   

in the future, i plan on a listening room of 15x20, give or take.    I am intrigued by integrated tube amps - looking at all sorts, including PrimaLuna, VPI 299d, etc.   but these amps have lower WPC outputs.   I'd like to grow into a floorstanding set, something like the Monitor Gold, KEF R-series or PBS Imagine T3 range.    My tastes range from Classical to Classic Rock.   i do not blast music by any means.    Is an integrated tube amp (35-40 wpc) sufficient and will it leave room to grow?   ideally i'd like a home threater bypass should i decide to add TV that into the mix
mjb87062017
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
+1 on the advice that soix gave you.

There is absolutely no reason to worry about finding a tube Intergrated before you pick the speakers that you want because you will have lots of good choices.

And yes 35 to 40 watts will be plenty of pwr for most average sensitivity speakers that are relatively easy to drive in your room size and musical tastes.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

I totally agree, pick your speakers first. Listen to everything you can and find speakers you love. Then choose an amp that will work well with them. An amp that does not have enough power will sound somewhat thin and closed in. I would not go for the bare minimum of power.

 Take your time. Make a long term plan as to what components you want and work toward that goal. Synergy is the most important thing. It does not matter how good or expensive the different pieces are if they don't work well together. Browse the forums and see what people are using together. And listen to everything you possibly can.

 
mjb87062017 OP
12 posts
 
thank you all- i appreciate the input.  to be clear, i'm at the research stage, by no means ready to pull the trigger on anything.   I just wanted some input on the possibility of using a tube amp, and you've answered it.    where i live (Long Island), it is geographically difficult for me to demo speakers or amps, so i thought it might be wise to plan to acquire amp and speakers simultaneously as i'm sure i'll be working with an online dealer.   thanks 
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Just make sure that "on line dealer" has a good return policy. What he recommends might not be to your tastes in sound or may not work well in the room you put this system in. IMHO.
rotarius
431 posts
 
You have a wonderful integrated already. Get it serviced/recapped and it will drive the speakers you are considering and do it with finesse.  Those Kennys are special.  The Primaluna amps not so much (at least the Prologues).
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