More Tubes = Better Sound

If you are going to have multiple power tubes, it is best to have a lot, assuming there is a mechanism to allow for current sharing among them.

The bigger problem in dealing with high powered tube amps is actually the output transformer, but that is a story for another thread.

More is usually better if done right. Big if though. ALso more means more expensive. The value proposition may or may not be there case by case.

IT mostly boils down to how much of a tube lover one is. There are many ways to skin the good sound quality cat. Tubes are one way but one that only a small minority of listeners today prefer.

Hi Audiolabyrinth. I was referring to amps from the same vintage, with the same basic circuitry. For example, the Jadis JA30 vs. the JA80 vs. the JA500, or the original Krell KSA50 vs the KSA 100, and the KSA 80 vs. the KSA 200. Subjective observations, of course. You're comparing amps from different generations.

Atmasphere's answer is interesting to me, as he is an excellent designer of some very fine amplifiers of different power ratings. Ralph, what are the advantages to having a lot of tubes, assuming that you have very efficient and sensitive speakers (the OP has some very efficient Klipsch speakers)?

Musing: I have a 4 output tube with 4 input tube classic push/pull design amp. It has more than enough juice (65 watts per side, 85 watts peak) to power the speakers I use in the room I use, and when I think about replacing it with a well regarded amp with twice the output tubes I consider the expense of tube replacement or compulsive tube rolling, and all that extra heat from the amp. I might get more efficient speakers someday and score a small pair of mono single ended or OTL amps, but adding more tubes doesn't appeal to me much...at least this week anyway.

I prefer more power AND less tubes. One input tube, one output tube, 200WPC SET.

Midlife Crisis Mono