I guess a better way to ask my question above..... how to match a tube amp to a speaker, is one to find what the lowest dip in the speaker measurement and make sure the amp can over come that dip rather easily ?
Tube Amps With Good Bass Qualities
I have been reading over posts about tube amps and their bass qualities. I understand that for the most part, that a ss amp with have an edge in bass qualities compared to a tubed amp. Damping factor, etc. But I can give up a little of that edge for what I enjoy in the midrange qualities of a tubed amp. So my question is, what tube power amps have you heard that have good bass qualities? Raven, Quicksilver, Mac, etc.? Let's give a price point. 5K or under. What do you think?
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br3098, that’s flat out wrong. If the speakers can handle < 40hz but the amp can’t, then you’ll never hear it from the speakers Gfi’s suggestion sounds good; a pair of Shitt class A amps (~$1600), however, class A runs hot, burns a lot of electricity... I have owned fully balanced all tube systems and good though they were, plumbing the depths was a weakness, which is why people use them on highs and mids and SS for bass. In fairness to Ralph/atmosphere, I never had the pleasure However, I recently purchased a EVS 1200 (600 wpc) from Ric Schultz/tweakaudio. (I know what you’re thinking, but my current and future speakers are 93-96dB efficient.) It’s only got about 100 playing hours on it, but it has that inner musical detail magic that for the most part HAS BEEN the domain/allure of tube amps, but it also has gorgeous mids, lower mids and excellent bass; more bass then my speakers can project with a low end of 42Hz. I have new speakers on their way which will resolve that It’s fairly priced at $2200, idles 24/7 at 57watts, and likely sets a new benchmark for price/performance under $3K, although... (cliff hanger) The EVS 1200 comes with a 30 day guarantee, so nothing to lose. Mine’s not going back |
We had an "amp try out fest" one Sunday a while back at friends house that had a pair of JBL Synthesis 1400 Array's,**Any** 60 watt OTL will be uncomfortable with a load like that (see JA's comments in the review at the link). This is a great example of how *not* to do it- you always want a tube amp to play loads for which it is intended! By the way what are the woofer's in your speakers? Are your enclosures vented?Yes. The drivers are dual TAD 1602s (Fo of 21Hz), one forward firing and the other downfiring. Flat to 20Hz is no problem at all :) how to match a tube amp to a speaker, is one to find what the lowest dip in the speaker measurement and make sure the amp can over come that dip rather easily ?@oem-wheels In a nutshell, yes. |
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