Compact ~20WPC Tube Amp
I should say 20WPC or more....
I’ve been trying to use a 8WPC 300B SET (Sun Audio) with some vintage bass reflex studio monitors from the 70s (96dB) and it’s clear that I need a bit more power. Everything sounds really awesome but the highs will distort at anything beyond low-medium volume which has been fine but I want to play a little louder sometimes!
Space is limited so I need a stereo amp or maybe small monos are possible.
Sounds as if a compact, integrated EL-84 amp might just fit the bill for around 20 w/ch. There’s a newer Quicksilver and or older, refurbished Scott, Heathkit and Eico integrateds. EL-84’s were often the tube of choice back "when"....they still sound great! - Still, choose the right speakers, that you like & fit the room size, then choose your suitable amp (tubes generally like 8 ohms or more).
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Are you going to share the specifics on your speakers? I’m a huge fan of the EL84 tube but depending on your speakers, they could be wrong. It also depends on the amp topology. A single ended el84 amp begins to distort at 5ish watts with max power 9-10 watts per channel. Push pull begins to distort around 6-9 watts and tops out around 12-15 wpc. Some of the old Scott’s that use the 7189 can be pushed a little further to achieve high teens realistically. I believe the EAR, quicksilver, Manley and some others use 8 rather than four el84’s so those numbers can double up.
Once again though, if you would share your speakers with us we might be able to provide better advice. 4ohm? All bets are off. Crossovers with 50 year old caps? Ditto. |
I Have the Cabin CS-55A commented by @henry53 I bought it for $2220 from a New jersey distributor. I spent about $800 on good tubes. It is a great amp, dead quiet, plenty of power with my Monitor Audio Silver 500 speakers and REL T/5X sub. |
Hi dhcod... 6moons audio reviews: Music Reference RM-10 MkII If you can find one of these at a fair price, you won't be disappointed. The "sweetness" of the 300B midrange may give way to overall honesty of the EL84's sound. I have taken mine to a much more refined level by a full Marigo Tuning Dot application and upgrading to a full complement of "Tom Evan's recommended," Harma Watford Valves. Not being a "just for fun" tube roller, I went through 3 sets (Mullard, JJ &Sovtek) before finding my flavor. The RM-10 features point to point wiring (no board) for reliability & longevity. A great set of tubes can easily be had for under $200. Another possibility...if you just love what your monitors give you, as I do, you might try rolling off the deep bass to them, say at 80Hz to a sub or pair of subs, keeping the 300B amp. In my room, removing the deep bass from my Revolution Be monitors allow them to fully blossom and achieve above 90db decibels, without strain. More Peace in 2023 Pin |
