Yes- tube amps sound more powerful than a SS amp of the same rating. There are a few theories why this so, but the jury's still out. With your budget it's going to be hard to get into a painless tube amp(or monoblocks) with the power that will feed your needs(I'd say 75+ wpc). If you enjoyed tinkering with electronics: I'd recommend a pair of Dynaco ST-70's strapped mono and upgraded, or a pair of modded Mk IIIs. Probably a lot more than you'd like to tackle, from the way your first post sounded. Honestly: I'd say save a bit more money and then shop the tubed power amp classifieds in here, and the Upscale site. That Bryston can't be too hard to listen to.
Upgrade path...Need suggestions
Current system for 2 channel:
Arcam Alpha SE8 cd to
B&K Ref 20 to
Bryston 3bst to
Gallo 3.1's 88db sensitivity
System is also used for h/t
My first thought was to upgrade the B&K to a tubed pre but after some looking I found no tubed pre's in my price range that had zone 2 which is very important to us.
Now I am thinking about an amp upgrade. Have never had tubes but want to give it a try. How much fiddling do they require? Keep reading about biasing, pentode, triode etc. and have no idea what it means. Is it a constant battle or set it and forget it? How much tube power do I need?
Budget is <$1000 so used is the way I want to go. Would like to get some recommendations. Looking for that "tube" sound. Soundstage, warmth, detail, midrange, etc..
Thanks for any suggestions.
Steve
Arcam Alpha SE8 cd to
B&K Ref 20 to
Bryston 3bst to
Gallo 3.1's 88db sensitivity
System is also used for h/t
My first thought was to upgrade the B&K to a tubed pre but after some looking I found no tubed pre's in my price range that had zone 2 which is very important to us.
Now I am thinking about an amp upgrade. Have never had tubes but want to give it a try. How much fiddling do they require? Keep reading about biasing, pentode, triode etc. and have no idea what it means. Is it a constant battle or set it and forget it? How much tube power do I need?
Budget is <$1000 so used is the way I want to go. Would like to get some recommendations. Looking for that "tube" sound. Soundstage, warmth, detail, midrange, etc..
Thanks for any suggestions.
Steve
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- 6 posts total
- 6 posts total