Adding a tube amp is a good idea?

Maybe it's just me but I like folk,jazz, acoustic music on my tube system and rock on my Integrated Amp set up.

Many probably would share similar feelings.  What blows me away is how a 4wpc SET driving a full range driver coupled with small REL subs allows me to enjoy 90% of my CD collection.  Yes, there are some recordings that clearly are better sounding on my "big system"  However, there are also some recordings I prefer on this smaller more modest system.

My only hesitation with tube amps are the heat and the the potential of endless tube rolling and life and cost of power tubes.  In addition, I would probably drive myself crazy trying to figure out when to replace the tubes.  My solution is my tube pre amp and solid state monoblock amps. 

I concur with goose and some others, that driving low impedance, power demanding speakers with a tub power amp, no mater how good they may sound,  can be a never ending and expensive battle of replacing blown tubes, fuses and resistors.

For a couple of years I drove my 87db. 4-ohm Maggies with a 100W tube amp with KT-120 tubes. The sound of the Maggies with the the tubes was incredible. But, even though I listened at low to moderate levels, two times I had tubes blow. Not only did I have to replace tubes, but also resistors and fuses, turning into an expense and headache.

From now on, I'll stick with a tube Pre. combined with a high current power amp, or a hybrid integrated amp, to drive my Maggies, as I have no intention of giving up the Maggies.

It appears that your speakers might be a little power demanding, so is something to consider.

Jim

Something else I might mention - even though the volume knob did not have to be cranked much (less than a quarter) to get plenty of volume for moderate listening, the demand was still there, taking its tole on the tubes.

Jim