2. amps-preamps
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how would an entry-level tube system compare?

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on the following situation as I move into the tube world for the first time.

My current non-audiophile, lo-fi system: an old Sony 100W receiver and JBL S36 monitor speakers. 75% of the music I listen to is driving and bass-heavy (techno, house, electronica, hip-hop, rock). On this system, the sound is OK, but I can crank it (I mean _really_ crank it), which I like to do, and the bass is there, which I need.

I'm now planning a move into the hi-fi world. Although my musical tastes would suggest solid-state and big watts, I'm very curious about tubes. For budget and space reasons, I'm looking at integrated tube amps in the <$1500 range (from Cary, Onix, Cayin, Rogue, Eastern Electric, Shanling, VTL, PrimaLuna, and others).

I'm sure any of these tubes systems will take the quality of sound of my music to a new level. My concern is whether they'll be able to match the power, drive, and volume, of my current lo-fi system. Can a <50W tube system shake the house?

As for speakers, I'm still evaluating, but had not necessarily committed to high sensitivity ones. Should that be a requirement?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.
defiantscientist
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Efficency is going to ba a concern for low powered tube amps, high SPL's, and lotsa-bass.

For techno I would suggest Klipsch Heressy's if space is a concern or LaScallas if it is not. The Heressys are usually available for around $400. Just be sure to get the originals and not the II's or III's.

Good luck!
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Quality vs Quantity?
To get both, it will cost you an arm and a leg.
Keep you speaker efficiency above 90db. For every 3db above 90, your wattage will equal double:
So, 50 watts @ 90db will equal 100 watts on 93db speakers and 200 watts on 96db speakers, 400 watts on 99db speakers).
For every 10db increase, you will get a "perceived" doubling of volume.
So, it is very easy to find a 40 watt tube amp (many EL34 based amps) that will blow away your 100 watt Sony with the right speakers-and it will sound wayyyy better too.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
If you can afford it use a bi-amp configuration, solid state amp for bass and tubes for mid and tweeters....should blow you away if you can afford it.
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