Cornwall IV – tube (amp) choice

Thanks again for further recommendations. Luxman, Jadis, Enleum – they all seem great.

After reading and watching quite a few reviews of different amps I´m still wondering why tube types are not given priority over specific amps. Like for example: These speakers really go well with EL34s, because sound characteristic xy.
Isn´t the tube type in general shaping the sound more than the amp built around it? (considering high-quality brands only) And wouldn´t it make most sense to decide on a tube (or combination of tubes) first and then try to find a specific amp? I´m wondering.
Fact is I either mailorder blindly (deafly?) an amp with nice specs, reviews and recommendations or go for one of the few I can test in-store.

@gratefuldentist Oh yes, they like to be toed in. I have to move them to the wall during the day when the kids are around and listen to them like that sometimes. They still sound very good likethat, but toeing them back in makes a massive difference. I put the speakers on boards with tiny transport wheels underneath so moving them is no problem.

pick tube type first, then find an amp.

that’s kinda what I was saying when I listed all the tube types I have heard, said research tube alternates, generalities of sound, keep easy bias in mind.

In addition to needing 16 ohm taps, KT88 is how I selected my Cayin which I knew could use either 6550’s or KT88’s. 6 moons review sold me!

I guessed the KT88 would be a slightly more powerful KT66. Some amps offer EL34 or it’s substitutes, or a switch for a different tube type.

Next we have your ears/preferences, for a first time tube experience, a trip or two to a showroom is wise, however, you would want to hear the same input/preamp/speakers, that’s not easy.

Live near me in NJ, come on by!

In any case, what brand KT88? what in front of it, 12ax/12au or 6sn7/6sl7. Cayin my first amp with 6sn7/6sl7, and I was quite surprised at the change in sound two different makers. 

Luckily I bought my tubes from Brent Jesse, he let me finish burning them in 60 hrs first, then exchange for full credit, tried a different brand at half the price, sounded twice as good! 

That little Luxman is such a great amp!!!!    I have heard it with Cornwall IV and Forte III.     I was with a buddy who is not into audio and he was blown away that 10 watts could sound that good.   It is a huge value for the money 

I have a Jolida that uses EL34 tubes and think it’d match up real well with CWIVs but I’ve been holding out for a set of LaScalas. 

You bought ultra efficient speakers, now take advantage of them by using an SET amp. These multiple output tube amps suck the magic right out of the music with complexity in the circuit. Listen to Decware amps and make the proper decision.