2. amps-preamps
  3. 1001973134

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
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!
philefreak
423 posts
 
Joule Electra Stargate(Retail $5500.00) Atma-Sphere S-30( retail $2850.00)The Atma-Sphere tends to be a little on the lean side of neutral(the M-60's,MA-1's are a lot better in this area. The Stargate however is great, you can dial in feedback if neccessary or leave it 0. Has 4,8& 16 ohm taps and a neutral sound that is dead on.
chuck
203 posts
 
How about a Manley Neo Classic SE/PP 300B. It can be switched from single ended to Push pull configuration on the fly.

http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/seppneo.html
slawney
242 posts
 
The VAIC 520B output tube can deliver 30w in single SET (in the Classic 52B VAIC amp), and 55W in double SET (in the Reference 52B). VAIC also puts out a 320B double SET (Reference 32B) with 40 watts. The tubes are made in the Czech Republic, and the amps are hand-built in Vicenza Italy by MasterSound. Prices vary from $15,000 to $22,000 approximately (thus, out of your price range, but a few pop up in the European second hand market from time to time, at substantial savings). These amps are very controversial (I once had a conversation with Dr. Kron of KR about the merits of VAIC tubes; and there are some controversies about the Audio Note/VAIC joint venture as well...), but, with modifications, these amps equal the performance of lower wattage SETs, yet can drive "normal" (low efficiency) speakers. I own the 52B variant, and drive 87 dB speakers with no problem. The other alternative I would suggest are WAVAC amps (second hand, if you are lucky).
More to discover