2. amps-preamps
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Tube amp location

I've got a question for you tube guys. I'd like to add a couple of mono tube amps to my combo HT/audio rig. Problem is I have my equipment in an entertainment center which has glass doors on the front, so heat would probably be a problem.

The glass doors are not sealed and have about a 1/4" opening aroung the edge. The back of the entertainment center is fiber board which I cut out around all my equipmet for ventilation and access to wiring. I can easily get 6-8" clearance on top of the components, but only have 20" side to side.

I'm thinking this is not enough ventilation for tubes and I don't have space to put them on floor. Not to mention my wife would throw a fit. So my only other option is on top the of the speakers.

I have Klipsch Cornwall III's so I have a fairly large area to set the amps on, but I'm worried the vibration from the speakers would adversly effect the amplifiers/sound.

What do you guys think? Stick with solid state?

Thanks.
jack_dotson
audioquest4life
775 posts
 
you are funny....my wife gets assimilated when i tell her I will play whatever she wants and she brings down the wine...then the assimilation begins shortly after.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
It seems that the biggest concern here is
the heat...from (????)
but, it doesn't nessesary have anything to do with tubes -
If you know what I mean...
In that case my only advice IS
"TUBE" rolling or some bias adj.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 

Resistance is futile
veroman's avatar
veroman
299 posts
 
the obvious: old school meets new. entertainment centers of today are not designed for tubes generally. if you really want tubes that badly then take the plunge and work with the reality of using heavy heat producing amps, show those puppies off! you ask.. stick w ss? why are you considering tubes in the first place? mono blocks are a big jump from a ss amp in an ent. center with glass doors. don't mean to offend but, tubes are not little black and silver boxes that offer convenienc and mobility. fwiw, i think tubes are a great match with those spkrs. peace
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for your responses and sorry for the delayed follow-up. Step mom died so I was out of town for awhile.

You guys reinforced what I thought, but just wanted to hear from some tube guys.

Some asked why tubes? I like the sound of tubes with Klipsch CW's. I've heard these speakers with many amps and have yet to hear a solid state unit that sounds as good as tubes.

Many recommended placing the amps behind the speakers, but I just don't have enough room and most recommend against putting them on the speakers.

At this point I've decided I have to do something with the entertainment center or stick with solid state.

Anyhow, thanks to all for your responses and suggestions. I appreciate your time.
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