2. amps-preamps
  3. 1256421644

Tube Amp for GR Research LS-6

So, I am looking to sell my current SS amplifiers, and move onto to something tube perhaps...

I feel like I am overly sensitive to SS sound; even the slightest bit of glare or edginess drives me crazy.

I am confused about tube amplifiers, and how they relate to performance goals...

I like to listen to music pretty loud; 90-95 DB average with peaks in the 105-110 area...

My speakers are 90DB/1 W/M.

I am assuming that I need something in the 200 watt area to achieve this goal via the math on paper correct?

So, that limits my choices based on budget correct? Looking to spend around 4K.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
kingdeezie
riley804
1,224 posts
 
Here is something that might be helpful in trying to decide how much power you really need.

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,687 posts
 
I have found that high db level listening often leads to "glare" ,to a certain extent,even with tube amps.If you have just started to notice this "glare",it's possible your hearing is changing.I hate to say "damaged" but,this could be the case.Just a thought.Good Luck.
beavis
272 posts
 
Crossovers should also be considered when looking at tube amps. I'm unfamiliar with the LS-6, but in general, first order crossovers are recommended for most tube Wild impedance swings are also a concern with tube amps and you may be disappointed with the bass frequencies as most tube amps don't produce the current of a solid-state design.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Class A amps may work better. The normal listening will all be in class A with peaks handled a/b. That will keep you out of tubes?

My calculations:
90db 1 watt
93db 2 watts
96db 4 watts
99db 8 watts
102db 16 watts
105db 32 watts
108db 64 watts
Perceived volume will double every 10db
kingdeezie OP
94 posts
 
Maybe glare is the wrong word for it, but in the end, I crave a little bit more liquidity from my setup that I don't think I can obtain with a SS amplifier.

That calculator for how loud will it get is only flawed because a Line Source speaker drops off differently then a point source, apparently 3 DB per doubling as opposed to 6 DB per doubling.

So, it assumes that at my 11 feet distance away from the speaker, I am losing 10 DBs of volume, where, in actuality, its only 5 DBs or so.

In that instance I am looking at peaks of 112 DBS, which I think is sufficient.

I was just hoping to gather some suggestions.
More to discover