Old Counterpoint hybrid amps are right in the middle of tube & SS. Plus they can be upgraded to sound better than a lot of amplifiers.
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!
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- 30 posts total
@mazian +1 the Rogue ST100 should do the trick It is a clean and quiet for a tube amp but in triode mode it should give you more of that tube sound you seek. |
Glad to know that there is at least one other with the Paragon E. rodman999 has a great idea. Roll tubes on the E to create more of that tube sound. I recently replaced the original Tungsol 12AX7 tubes (6), made in Hungary who knows when, but before 1980.I installed some brand new Genalex ECC83 Gold Lion tubes, all matched. Listening to these, made me realize that the Tungsol tubes are still making great sound. They are definitively warmer than the Gold Lions. Back in they went. Can you recommend another brand that would push the tube "warmth" a bit further? rodman99999 has suggested trying Mullard tubes. Have you tried this tube? The used stock costs approx $100 each. What has been your experience with tube rolling on the Paragon E?
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- 30 posts total