I can tell you that 50W of push-pull tube power is PLENTY for Ref 3s in ANY situation, unless you want rock-concert volumes (which the speakers aren't capable of w/out breaking up anyway). I enjoyed them immensely with a pair of AES Six Pacs which are about 55W. These were able to play at least as loud (and sounded far better) than solid-state and switching amps of much higher power rating (200W).
Regarding "keeping solid-state power" - there is much more to an amplifier's ability to play loud and dynamically than its wattage rating. There is no doubt that a good 50W PP tube amp with a good power supply can play as loud and as cleanly as a good solid-state AB class amp of 2 or 3 times the wattage rating.
Even 22W of PP tube power was more than enough power for the Gallos in a completely open space for 95dB SPL at 10'. This was a Cayin 6550 integrated. With or without the bass amp. The bass amp fills in the bottom 15hz, that you don't get at all without it, but in my experience it really doesn't do a lot do ease the load of the main amp.
120W Rogue amps might be great, and there's no real reason to avoid "too much" power, but I have to tell you you don't need it for any reason.
Paul
Regarding "keeping solid-state power" - there is much more to an amplifier's ability to play loud and dynamically than its wattage rating. There is no doubt that a good 50W PP tube amp with a good power supply can play as loud and as cleanly as a good solid-state AB class amp of 2 or 3 times the wattage rating.
Even 22W of PP tube power was more than enough power for the Gallos in a completely open space for 95dB SPL at 10'. This was a Cayin 6550 integrated. With or without the bass amp. The bass amp fills in the bottom 15hz, that you don't get at all without it, but in my experience it really doesn't do a lot do ease the load of the main amp.
120W Rogue amps might be great, and there's no real reason to avoid "too much" power, but I have to tell you you don't need it for any reason.
Paul
