2. amps-preamps
  3. 159531-110095

Tubes?

I have Revel Salon 2 speakers. Sensitivity is about 85 db. and 4 ohms. They are power hungry speakers. Currently, I am driving them with McIntosh 601's and a McIntosh solid state preamp. I was look looking at a pair of McIntosh MC2301. They are tube amps rated at 300 watts into 2 - 8 ohm loads. I listen to all types of music (sometimes at very high levels). I never run out of power with the 601's, but I am very intrigued with tubes. This may be a misconception, but I remember some friends who played guitar saying, tube watts were louder than solid state? Perhaps this is not really true or not true regarding home stereo. Perhaps the best idea is to keep the 601's and get a good tube preamp?                          Thanks, Dave 
tobor007
facten
2,948 posts
 
tobor007
Sounds like you like your speakers, are adding subs and like your amp. I'm with a couple of other posters and suggest trying a tube preamp to see if it gets you what you are seeking.  I also agree with twoleftears, a 6SN7 tube preamp , but there are other choices.
tobor007's avatar
tobor007 OP
135 posts
 
I love, love love the information guys. My JL's are on the way and starting today I'm going to start checking out tube preamps. When I get the system together I will post a couple of pics and comment on the sound. Dave
audition__audio
1,640 posts
 
Tube watts are not greater than S.S. watts to say so is simply stupid. If you think you hear more volume with a tube amp it is simply distortion or clipping. 

S.S. and tube amp designs each have a series of advantages. Much of which amp will be appropriate is determined by the specifications of your speaker. Efficiency is only 1 pertinent specification. 

Regarding Roger Sanders and his opinions about anything audio related will be completely skewed by his devotion to ESPs. 

I agree with leftears, some of the posters on this forum give the worst advice and seem to take every opportunity to complicate what should be relatively simple issues. 

My advice is to avoid those posters who tell you to sell a product that you like and then give you a specific manufacturer whose product you should buy. 

I see no disadvantages to gear that uses small signal tubes like DACs, preamps, etc. There are numerous reasons why S.S. amps deserve serious consideration in certain circumstances.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@audition__audio   +1

It is ridiculously stupid to suggest that tube watts are greater than SS watts.  Tube amps sound "better" however to me and it's excatly about the even order harmonics, soft clipping,  and the fact tubes have more linear transfer functions than transistors, so tube amplifiers usually need and use much less negative feedback.

Who makes this stuff up about tube watts being greater than SS watts???  lol  Maybe it's how we define greater.....in euphonics.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,103 posts
 
Glass watts versus sand watts?
About as different in weight as a ton of feathers and a ton of iron.
More to discover