Recommendation Request for Tube Power Amplifier

@ghdprentice Thanks. I am certainly considering used amps. I've seen a used Rogue 100 here on Audiogon that seems to fit. So far, I've seen great reviews, especially from 10 Audio.

I should add that I'm thinking that this amp will be for my phono system only. I've got the Bryston for the rest..

     Nothing (AT ALL) wrong with the above, but: here's another tack, you might consider.

     You already have two excellent amps, that are a better match to your less-than-efficient speakers, than tube power would be.   Even with the powered sub.

      Either would easily prove transparent enough to convey whatever improvements made, in your preamp.

       The Paragon System E (NICE pre, btw) was built with MOSTLY Metalized Mylar caps, which are good (basically) for ever.

       The external power supply is a huge plus, far as noise reduction.

       BUT: if yours has the two, light blue, electrolytic caps; they are over forty years old and could (probably) use replacement.    As well as any electrolytics in the PS.

       Older components can still sound good with aged/weakened electrolytic caps, but: much better, if refreshed.

        Whether you choose to address those or not: why not explore the world of 12AX7s extant, to shape your system's sound, to better suit your aural palette?

        Were you to purchase just one pair of NOS 12AX7/ECC83/5751s: there are three positions per channel, in which you could try them. (great flexibility).

                                                        ie:

         For a warmer presentation: British tubes (ie: Mullard or Brimar).

         Clear as crystal: Telefunken or Seimens.

         Somewhere between those: Bugle Boy, Amperex and some USA (RCA, Sylvania).

         Of course, you'd want to be certain; given their intended purpose (your pre/phono), they were tested for the lowest noise possible.

          Brent Jessee* would be my go-to, far as MY preferential/most trusted source.

          Here's a bit of wisdom, from a popular 6SN7 comparison, that's applicable to any tube circuitry, using multiples of the same tube:

          "One thing became clear based on customer feedback, combining 6SN7 types seems to work better than using all 6SN7s of the same type.

           With so many preamps and amps using this tube, you can end up with
Six 6SN7s per channel.

            It appears combining tubes like the VT-231s as voltage amplifiers and 6SN7Ws or 6SNGTA/GTBs as driver tubes you gain the strengths of all.  Using one type seems to accentuate the tube’s weaknesses."

                           *http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm

                                (Brent's on vacation until Aug 6)

                                 Have fun and happy listening!

           

 

            

           

           

 

 

@rodman99999 Thanks for the great advice.

Yes, I have looked at the caps in the PSU and the unit. I normally replace all caps in a vintage audio product. I've done it for all the tuners that have come this way and lately for the two APT model preamps and a couple of turntables. I've been putting it off out of laziness.

Thanks for the tip on the electros that may be in the unit. I will need to look to see if I have any.

I have already noticed a difference in sound compared to the Musical Surroundings phono pre I have. Sound is smoother, flows easier it seems. But not the big, enveloping warmth that people glow about. Maybe I'll find it with the power amp.

Yes, lower powered tube amps are problematical with the speakers I have. I probably need more than 50 W/ch.

I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you spent on your post.

@kevemaher -

 Sound is smoother, flows easier it seems. 

     Ain't it just great: the electromagnetic musical signal, freely flowing across a vacuum, rather than through semiconductors?

But not the big, enveloping warmth that people glow about. 

     Refer back to my recommendations, as regards the mentioned Brit tubes.   

     Also: my foremost motive, in citing Jessee's site, is that you read his descriptions, observations and opinions, when it comes to the various nations/continents of origin, time frames, OEMs and specific  iteration of a 12AX7 type valve's manufacture.

     One of my prime reasons for trusting him: our hearing must be quite alike.

     You'll still find that information/education invaluable; should you persist in the quest for a tubed amp.

                                              WHY?

                                     Glad you asked!

                      New production tubes just ain't got it!

  Maybe I'll find it with the power amp.

     As mentioned: you've two excellent/transparent/uncolored amps, in the Levinson and Bryston.    Either would convey whatever your particular taste desires.    Even: from session 2 session via a simple tube swap, should your heart be piqued, in that nice tubed preamp.

     Of course: the lid would have to be left off, to facilitate such a practice.

     But: It's been my experience the more air movement the typical component gets around it's innards, the happier it seems, overall.

     My own main amps are Carys, taking four 6550/KT88s per and since NOS Sylvanias, Tung-Sols and GEs supplies have either vanished or become unaffordable, to moi and the Svetlana St Petersburg plant burned down, with all it's equipment: my octet is now Russian Gold Lions.     They were found quite similar in every regard, to my GEs, but for a taste less Bass factor.   

      Quite listenable and why I didn't crack on the brand, in your preamp.

      They shouldn't get in the way, wherever you chose to try rolling better/NOS valves, anywhere in your pre, should you.

                           You didn't skimp on the analog setup.

       Don't lose the fidelity/quality of that source, through your preamp.

                                   DITTO: interconnects/cables!

     If frugal: your budget can easily cover all of the above, sate your taste for a warm/enveloping sound AND (if not already in your lexicon) provide or improve sound staging.

                                        Sorry for the verbosity!

                                             Happy listening!

 

    Forgot to mention: whatever diodes/rectifier your power supply uses; they can undoubtedly be improved upon.

    Given you're able/equipped to test for distortion, etc; I infer- you can solder.

                                                    Have fun!