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Recommend Higher Power SET Amp

I am searching for a new amp. I own the Coincident Super Eclipse speakers (92db sensitive, nominal 14ohm, minimum 10ohm), so accomodating a tube amp should be easy. My pre-amp is a Rogue 99. I borrowed an Antique Sound Labs KT88 based single ended pentode amp (15 watts) which convinced me single ended tubes are the way to go. Only problem was, although the ASL amp provided enough power for 90% of my listening (mostly classical and jazz, with some pop/rock), at times I like to turn it up a little, or listem to some large scale orchestral pieces (Mahler, Bruckner, R., Strauss) at more realistic levels. The speakers don't mind a bit (having used a 100 watt SS amp at times), but the ASL ran out of gas.

So, the question is, can you tube afficianados recommend some single ended tube amplifiers with ratings over 30 watts per side? I know of the Cary 805 monos, but I'm looking for something more affordable. All brands welcome to apply. Thanks in advance for any ideas!
seldenr
audiokinesis
2,736 posts
 
SET's that actually do over 30 watts are quite rare and I don't know of any that are less expensive than the Cary. The reason is, very few tubes can deliver over 30 watts.

You might consider an output transformerless tube amp. OTL's do some things better than SET's, and something like the Atma-Sphere M60's (under five grand) would really sing with your speakers. Generally SET's are a bit warmer and sweeter, but OTL's give you the richest inner harmonics of any amplifier type while still being on the warm side. I've had both in my sytem.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
I second the OTL idea, alongside the SET one -- and Atmaspheres are quite reliable. However, these don't come cheap either and I wonder whether the Atma 30 (cheaper) couldn't add an extra 3db intensity?

Another constructor is KR; although not cheap, they offer proprietary tubes with alleged 50.000hrs life -- so, no maintenance cost (no rolling either).

Good luck!
ohteeel
32 posts
 
Antique Sound Lab also has an 805 based mono single ended amp that delivers 50 watts per channel and is less expensive than the 845 based amp. The word is that the 805 amp is not as sweet sounding as the 845 amp......but it is probably worth an audition in your system if you can find a local dealer with one. You may want to try the Bel Canto 845 based stereo amp that has parallel 845's in a single ended configuration. I have seen these used in the $2k to $3k range.
1953
140 posts
 
I also, like the idea of an OTL. Plenty of power and reasonnable output impedances should match well with the Coincidents. There are alternatives, however. For example, adding a subwoofer with a good high pass section to cut off the lows going into the main amp can really open up a tube amp. You can end up with extended, powerful bass and a noticably more open and dynamic presentation above that. Cutting off the lows below say 80 HZ or so at a slope of 24 DB per octave is like adding a couple of DB worth of steady state head room to an amp, even more on dynamic peaks. Spending ~$1500 on a good sub and x-over is a lot less money than the extra ~$3000-4000 it would take to buy that extra couple of DB on the amp side of the sonic equation. Just some thoughts.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Add the Bat VK60 or VK75/75SE to your list. It's single ended bridge, not quite the same, but still a great amp!
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