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Will a tube amp work well on Revel f208?

Hi,
Two different stereo store salesmen both told me to use a tube integrated amp (primaluna evo 400, or Ayon V) on my Revel f208.  I live in an apartment, so I rarely listen at concert levels (rock,pop,80's,modern music,etc) ,  But due to that speaker's impedance swings, it's in the 4 ohm region a lot  and needs a 4 ohm capable amp.  I was told by someone else that the Revel f208 likes high current, (Which won't be found in a tube amp?).  I was considering something like Hegel or anthem integrated STR before the prima Luna evo 400  was recommended.  Can  Somebody with actual knowledge chime in so I am not at the mercy of salesman or misinformation?  The speakers are revel  f208 and I'd like to stick with an integrated and stream for simplicity (I have node 2i)Thanks!
128x128labguy
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Its not impedance, its sensitivity you want to pay attention to. And its not watts, its the amplifier. Sorry if that sounds vague but with tube amps its more the design and especially the transformers than the watts. Hard to believe until you hear a couple 50 watt tube amps play louder and with better bass than 200 watt ss amps. Do this enough times you start to realize watts are one of the most meaningless specs around.  

I'm not gonna do your work for you. If your speakers are around 90dB or higher the PL will have them singing. Raven Blackhawk even more so but that's your choice. If they are in the 80's, the lower into the 80's you go the harder it gets to find anything that will drive them. The higher into the 90's the easier. That is why sensitivity is the single most important speaker spec.
tablejockey
3,792 posts
 
Don't get too caught up in the specs.

The PL likely will be fine, but your ears ultimately choose what they like. You can try both 4/8 ohm taps and let them decide. There are plenty of reviews stating the PL works with many speakers. 

I've used PL gear for many years. Subjectively, build and performance on par with pricier equipment. Been using a  PLHP(Evo400) with 89 db speakers. They were reviewed and tested which revealed the REAL the specs somewhere around 87-88! 

Check the Line Magnetics stuff also, if you're onboard with made in China products. Nice gear.
glow_worm
84 posts
 
Millerc...
“Its not impedance, its sensitivity you want to pay attention to....That is why sensitivity is the single most important speaker spec.”
Completely wrong with regard to tube amps. So much has been written about this, hard to believe that even you said this.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Yeah, a lot of what passes for conventional wisdom turns out to be not all that.
labguy's avatar
labguy OP
82 posts
 
So even here, there is some conflicting opinions/ information.  TableJockie my speakers are 88.5 dB sensitivity.  Were you happy with your setup you referred to? Glow_worm,  Care to elaborate and educate me?  Your post called somebody else wrong but didn't tell me what is right.
 I am not trying to start a tube versus solid state argument,  I just want quality sound with a synergistic Integration of components. Recommendations and education welcomed. Thanks
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