Tube or SS for Vocals/Strings

I'd agree with Pawlowski (but he probably wasn't considering your current speakers in his recommendation): Nothing like a fat bottle to make strings and vocals load your room with sound that's moist with sweat and slides across your senses like a lover's caress. Be very mindful of which components you bring together to accomplish this task. Mismatching low-powered, SET gear is an easy way to have you scratchin' your head wondering why the heck you listened to those clowns on A'gon in the first place. If you go that route get someone who knows what their doing to help you out in choosing gear within your price range that'll sing in harmony. Often the smaller, more approachable manufacturers are an outstanding resource for doing just that. Otherwise, take some time and read the archives here and on AudioAsylum (SETAsylum). Sorry, your Arro's would not make a good match for these tubes (in most configurations they're used in). You would need a different speaker if you were considering that route. I'd still push tubes though if your interest is vocals and strings. If you must stick with the Arros, go for Triodes if possible. With your speakers (87db sensitivity) in a moderate room I'd guess you'll need about 25-35wpc minimum of tube power. If you wanted to get more specific answers from folks you may want to add a budget and the size of your room to the thread, and wheter you were considering an integrated amp or separates.

Marco

Baroque lover

What exactly are the specs for your speakers? You make mention of arro's but I/we need to know specific's before anyone can recommend a power amp especially a tube power amp. Specs like efficency and impedence or impedence irregularities would be very helpful. I myself know nothing about arro's.

I have both an all tube system and a solid state system. For the music you are mostly listening to tubes will the ticket to sustained listening enjoyment. EL34 should be added to the list of sweet sounding tubes.

Having owned a couple of set-amps and several speakers in the last couple of years>> Well I kept my CJ8xs amps. Hi-power pp triode does it for me with the fewest compromises.

I would suggest Pass Aleph 3. 60wpc into 4 0hm would be more than enough. You'd get pure class A sound without the tube failure hassle.