Sonic qualities of SET output tubes?

Whart is spot on. The sensitivity of the speaker is vitally important and that must be known before picking or considering any amp. For example, a speaker with 89db sensitivity at 8 ohms will require far more power than a speaker with 98db sensitivity at 8 ohms. The first speaker will need at least some 50 watts,  while the second will work with perhaps 3-8 watts.

As the sensitivity goes down the need for more power goes up significantly. I know you are aware of this due to your seniority and experience here.

Knowing how loud you play your music and the type of music played are also important considerations. Can a 30 watt tube drive a 89db sensitive speaker to 75 -78 db comfortably in a modest sized room? Yes most likely. But if you want db levels approaching 90db on average on some listening sessions with orchestral scores, then absolutely not.

I have read some great stuff that Ralph at Atma-sphere puts out on the watts and db relationship with tube amps and speaker sensitivity. Perhaps he can repost that here.

Blindjim,
At the risk of redundancy I must agree with Whart and his sage advice regarding amplifier and speaker matching, a critical point. This is especially true for lower and mid powered tube amplifiers, you have to consider your options simultaneously.

I have three tube amplifiers.
100 watt 6550/KT 88 push pull
40 watts el 34 push pull
8 watt 300b SET

The 8 watt has superior sound quality driving the same speaker as my other two amplifiers. This possible due to the choice of the speakers I use. I suspect that you’d be very pleased with a moderately powered class A tube push pull, Jadis for an example or the VAC Renaissance 30/30 (300b push pull) with an easy load speaker with sufficient sensitivity. SETs aren’t for everyone although they’ve served me extraordinarily well.
Charles

blindjim,

I can relate to just about everything you have said,

I may listen to a little bit different music than you do and have a slightly bigger room,20x25x9 that opens into our kitchen.

I have put a lot of effort in matching the right components to get the best sound for me overall.

I have Tekton double Impact speakers that are 95db with 1 watt,and they have a relatively flat impedance load so they are easy to drive.

I have the linear tube audio MZ2S preamp which can be used as a headphone amp and also can drive speakers with a 1.38 watt output into 4 ohms.

I have tried quite a few different amps with these speakers and I like the Linear tube audio Zotl 40 with both products using all nos glass.

Kenny.

Whart > If you are asking about SET amps, I don't think the question of speakers is a secondary one.

Blindjim > Thank you. you are indeed correct on the synergy factor. I’m in the assimilating information role currently on both ends of this enigma. , er, project.


Speakers are IMO way more sexy and impossible to ignore in a room. I feel too, they are the only items one should see or hear as the electrical gear needs be sequestered into an adjacent room or space as is my present circumstance.

BTW… which Horns?



Grannyring > The sensitivity of the speaker is vitally important

Blindjim > Thanks Grannyring. Very grateful for the affirmation. Got it.

It works the other way ‘round too. In fact, once I quit being stubborn and dive into the tube amp (s) path, speaker types and their attributes will be forced into renegotiation. I suspect then, both amp and speakers will be bought or ordered in simultaneously, each with the other well in mind.


RE driving to concert levels.
This is hardly an issue for me sure I’ll kick things up to an average of in room db levels to 94 or 95db…. For one song, maybe two. That’s all. Perhaps a few songs will get some more watts beyond avg. levels, but I’ve noticed with the loss of vision and some maturity, I’m no longer attracted to loudness for the sake of loudness alone.

it actually hurts.

Usual listening levels are just above being able to casually talk to someone else in the room, requiring the sound be turned down or muted to do so. So somewhere in the mid 80s maybe. Never bothered to test it when I had the chance or did and then forgot...


Which ever match up gets the nod, it will be more than capable of handling these isolated events.

I’m nuts, not insane and I would sort of like to keep the hearing I still possess in tact. In fact, if I’m at a location and the levels are tremendous I’ll probably leave regardless how much I might love the performers. Ordinarily I’m only going to outdoor shows, in the evenings or from Nov to Apr., when possible.

Lengthy streams of screaming wailing instruments and singers have slipped into the ether leaving me fondly and forever behind their wake. They are but intermittent blasts from the pasts these days.