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Recommendation Request for Tube Power Amplifier

I have been using an all solid state system for many years. I hear so much about the "tube sound" experience. I'd like to check it out.The only experience with tube amps that I have comes from these two amps...

One is the Paragon System E Tube Preamp with phono. I bought this new about 1980. It uses six 12ax7 type tubes. I used it quite heavily for a few years. When it developed problems with the volume control, I replaced it with something I can't remember. In storage for a few decades, I pulled it out six months ago, cleaned all contacts, especially the volume pot. Still works!. I have measured this guy quite thoroughly. Phono gain is 43 dB. Distortion from Tape Out is below the noise floor at -95dB. Noise at 60 Hz and multiples is -60dB or better below 0dB recorded level.. Great numbers, even compared to modern preamps. I replaced the old 12AX7 tubes with six matched Genelex Gold Lion tubes.  I'm using this now as a phono preamp with the Koetsu RS and a step up transformer at 20x (Cinemag 1254). The table is a brand new Technics SL-1200G. I really like this sound.

But I'd like to try tube amplification again without spending a fortune.

What tube power amp would be a great match for this system? Years ago, I had a CJ MV75 power amp. I liked the sound, but hated the continual tweaking of the bias, even with brand new tubes. I sold it.

My budget is $3K or less.My system is not too efficient (86 dB sensitivity Revel 105 Bookshelf speakers and a self powered HSU sub, 100Hz xover), so I probably need more than the 3 watt/ch amps I see for some of the less expensive models. How much power do I need? I'm not sure. I've never heard any problems with the Levinson No. 27 or the present Bryston 2.5B cubed, but they both put out 100 W/ch or more. Balanced inputs would be great, but not absolutely necessary.

I consider my present system to sound quite neutral. I worked very hard to get it that way. I'm very pleased with the sound.

I want to exprience that warm tube sound if only to have a change of pace. Or maybe...

Thanks for your help!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xkevemaher
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 

@kevemaher 

If your speakers really are 86dB, something to consider is that tube power has always been expensive, which is why in the old days high efficiency speakers were common. It was not until the advent of cheap solid state power that a speaker as inefficient as yours could find a market!

So you'll need, in most rooms, at least 100 Watts (200 Watts would be better) and you can see how expensive that gets! So all SETs are not an option- and most vintage amps aren't either, unless your listening room is small or in a bedroom.

So if you are serious about this then getting a set of more efficient speakers would be a very good step.

Otherwise, there are some class D amps that sound very much like an excellent tube amp, on account of having similar distortion spectra to a tube amp. Its the distortion of any amp that is its sonic signature, FWIW.

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soix
9,456 posts
 

If I’m you I’d give this Don Sachs amp a serious look. His products receive universally high praise for both sonics and value, and his house sound seems to be a little tube goodness/warmth but no too much while still preserving upper octave detail and offering excellent imaging and voluminous soundstage abilities. Can’t help thinking this sound profile might be right in your wheelhouse.Just another option, and best of luck in your search. Oh yeah, and it’s auto biasing so no more worries about that.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650003930-don-sachs-kootenay-120-amplifier-2700-shipped/

whitestix
709 posts
 

I second Soix's recommendation on a Don Sachs Kt88 amp.  I have one and it will drive your 8 ohm 86db sensitive speakers just fine.  I'd take a look at the link Soix provided and consider buying it.  I wouldn't sell mine for anywhere nearly as low a price as the seller is asking because it will assuredly become a legacy amplifier.  The amp easily compete with ~$10K tube amps and betters a lot of them. 

piebaldpython
61 posts
 

I have a Paragon System E as well! When you pop off the cover you will see the quality of the build. Point to point silver solder wiring, etc. All very quality components and the sound reflects it. It is on par with quality gear of today because of it's simplicity and quality of components and labor. 

Rolling tubes nets a nice experience. I can definitely hear differences in manufacture. I mate it with SS amps though and still get what I need- a smooth, warm, full, rich sound that is still dynamic and lively. Bryston is good, I had one and it is reliable to say the least and rather neutral so not a lot of colorization. I have yet to try tube pre/tube power but am hoping to one day however my choice of speaker (Krell Resolution 1) doesn't lend itself to tube power. 

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