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Tube amps and heat

I have 2 systems in play. #1 PrimaLuna Dialogue amp with a Mytek Brooklyn DAC using Tidal. # 2 BelCanto Ref 600 Mono's same Mytek and Tidal.  I like the PrimaLuna slightly better. More separation and just the right amount of bass. The Bel Canto is very close but ever so slightly missing something, maybe in clarity separation. Since I live in AZ using the PrimaLuna with 14 tubes is difficult (HEAT). Question --- Is there am amp the will give me the sound of the PrimaLuna tube and not generate as much heat, something like a hybred. Or can I put in the BelCanto system a tube pre amp/hybred and get the tube benefit on that system as well. I've been using the PrimaLuna system during the winter, however we are starting to warm up here. 90+ this weekend and I'm afraid I'll have to shut down the PrimaLuna for 6 months or so. Suggestions anyone. BTW I just tried a Aesthetix Calypso Pre with the Bel's and didn't like the sound. I could live with it, but it's not what I'm looking for.
Thanks

gary
128x128onehole149
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
I’m in AZ as well and know what you’re talking about.  I have summer and winter setups.  My BAT VK55 is a heat monster and right now with temps reaching the nineties it’s reaching my limits for afternoon operation.  If I don’t want to change speakers, I can switch to my VAC amp which runs much cooler but doesn’t sound quite as good.

In my summer setup I use a tube preamp (VAC or Manley) with a W4S amp.  I think you just need to find a tube preamp that mates well with your Bel Cantos.  The PrimaLuna preamps are tube rectified which make more heat so that may not be the solution either.  The Manley is really good for the money.  I like it way more than the Audio Research preamps.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 
There is a simple inexpensive solution for amps that make heat, which is to vent air above them out of the room. IOW you don't have to run your air conditioning to stay comfortable on account of the amp. For the small price of some dryer ducting and a low speed fan, problem solved.
tomcarr
1,504 posts
 
@atmasphere , logical, simple, economical. Well said, Ralph!

Tom
jzzmusician
155 posts
 
I've got a Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated.

It gets well into the 90's here and stays that way for weeks at a time.  I've never really thought that it contributed that much to the heat of the room.  Maybe I'm more tolerant of the heat, but to me it's not that much of a deal.

- Bob
bobee's avatar
bobee
8 posts
 
Can you not just add air-conditioning to your room to bring down the heat?  It may be an easier solution.
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