2. amps-preamps
  3. 131822-10803

Low output gain amplifier for ZU 101db Efficient speakers

I am thrilled with my new Rogue RP-5 preamp. However, like I mentioned before, the tube Hiss is really loud (I can hear back of room). It’s a smooth, non noisy hiss. I chatted with Rogue and they are sending replacement tubes but guess it’s due to my Nuforce STA200 amp with output gain of 34db. I was told that was quite high for having such efficient speakers. Rogue told me they test their equipment on high efficiency Klipsch speakers and the RP5 is quiet.

Anyway, I have attenuators coming today to help until I now find a power amp. I would love to have an Atma-Spere amp, however, they are too pricey for my budget (even used). Maybe a used Firstwatt f3 or these Quicksilver monoblock amps that are made for high efficient speakers http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/horn-mono/

The lower priced Decware amps look nice, plus they have gain settings.

For those who own high efficiency speakers with a tube pre, any other options? I really hate to switch out the RP-5 because it has all the functions available on the remote and it sounds great.


aberyclark
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Can I say quiet as a mouse? I got the RP-5 back from Rogue and no hiss (unless I press my ear up to tweeter). I'm thrilled I can hold off on an amp purchase and enjoy what I have for the time being. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will be shopping after the new year. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,753 posts
 
Hiss at the tweeter is normal for any system of that efficiency. Glad you got it sorted!
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Thanks. I will , however, shop for a new amp (my original plan) after New Years. 
dodgealum
1,402 posts
 
If you want a great sounding amp that is dead quiet check out one of the offerings from Linear Tube Audio. These are David Berning designed amps that are simply fantastic.
buellrider97
376 posts
 
Hi , now I’m here . Thanks for the info on Cryo Tubes, I’ll be shopping there soon . I have the Rogue RP-1, Schiit Bifrost Uber Analog DAC, Musical Fidelity’s transport and a Dennis Had Inspire with a 9 pin driver tube . I also have Zu Omens . So we have quite a few similarities. Dennis Had just shipped back my amp after replacing the self bias components on the left channel that blew due to a bad GL KT-77 that was new . As I said on the other thread , I put fresh tubes in the Rogue and Dennis just went through the Inspire . I run Silnote power cords , Morrow MA5 interconnects and Anti-Cables level 3 speaker cables . Yesterday I turned the pre to max volume with the source on pause . It was dead quiet at 8”, no hum and no hiss . The hiss was really bad when I had the Rogue hooked up to a vintage Marantz SS amp. I could hear it from a distance like you can . The Inspire matches up very well with the Rogue and the Omens . My system is very modest compared to others, but I am very pleased with the sound quality . I have 6 or 7 sets of power Tubes , about 8 driver Tubes ( It takes a single E88 ) and 5 rectifier tubes . It’s been a total blast to play with . Also regarding the driver tube discussion , In regards to brightness , I find that certain Tubes in the pre or the driver in the Inspire make the treble image out front further then the lower 2/3’s of the sound . I also experience this when I run a higher voltage rectifier tube . Depending on the Rectifier / Power combo, it goes from about 7 to 12 WPC. Also I have a 10 year old pair of lower tier Zu speaker cables and I like the Anti-Cables more    ( I have level 1 & 3 ). Best to you and Happy Listening , Mike. 
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