2. amps-preamps
  3. 168845-115375

Stuck point!

Hi, 
I am returning to the experts to get an opinion. I sold my PS Audio M 700 mono blocks thinking I was ready to pull the trigger on the Wellsenton R800i. I know their are great similarities between some of the Line Magnetic amps. around the same price point of just under $3,000, almost identical except for tubes. So, their are options if I chose to go with another well known brand. Here are the issue/s..  I have a fairly small treated room and I keep hearing it will “heat the room up.” I don’t know if it will be problematic or an overstatement. Plus the issue of bass. It may not produce good base which is a problem since I loved the class D amps bass. Lastly, speaker sensitivity, most of my speakers have 87db and up except for the LS50’s. Thanks, don
mrdon
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,942 posts
 
Pushing  87db speakers with a 23 watt Chinese single ended amp is a recipe for disaster. If you want good bass and the power to push inefficient speakers you should look at VTA (Bob Latino's) St 120. Its not an integrated like the Wlisenton. But IF you were running mono blocks you probably have a preamp. This will be a much better route than you are headed IMO. Plus you will have good service available too
As to bass, I've had the ST 70 and now the custom version of the 120 and have plenty of bass from both.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
@sebrof, what would a recommendation be in Class D-A or A/B in around the $3,000 mark?

I don’t, I moved my tube amps into a bigger room :)

I actually ordered two of the Class D Mini GaN amps that twoleftears mentioned in the post directly above yours, but only out of curiosity, not because of heat issues (there’s a thread about how great they are and I couldn’t help myeslf)
woodsage's avatar
woodsage
74 posts
 
@mrdon 

Lots to think about here. 
I’ve owned many tube amps over the years and currently own the Willsenton R8 running KT88’s. 
The Willsenton is a great amp for the money and runs in A/B so doesn’t run terribly hot. I’ve had a lot of class A tube amps over the years which, to me, sound better than AB. But they generally run hotter than the hinges of Hell and run through output tubes pretty fast. 
I’ve also found that a good Class D amp will do a better job on the bass: they usually keep an iron grip on woofers. 
That’s why I always use active woofers. 
Try as I might I haven’t found a SS or Class D amp that has the magic of tubes in the midrange and highs. 
As others have said, you’ll have to try it to find which right for you.

Good listening. 


bigkidz
3,384 posts
 
If you are looking for an amp for musicality look for a used BEL class A SS amp.  Just heard one that a friend picked up for $450.  What a beautiful sounding amp.  Bested the Coda, and the Hegel, and a few others for overall just pure musical sounding and engaging.

Happy Listening.
jdane
183 posts
 
I'm guessing that room doesn't have a window?   I run tube amps all the time.  One in my small bedroom that I fall asleep to and stays on all night.  The other in my basic 'crappy-apartment-8ft.-ceiling' living room.  Amp heat is inconsequential compared to the sun.  So I just open a window or run the a/c for 10 minutes.
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