Opinions on these amps?

Rsfphil,

60 watts may be fine in terms of getting the speakers loud enough but not all 60 watt amps are created equal in terms of being able to drive speakers in a manner that delivers smooth response top to bottom. 'Difficult load" generally refers to impedance dips/variations at different frequencies. The effect on the sound is often a less than optimal low end at various volumes.

I seem to recall that the Gallo refs do present a difficult load in this sense but I could be mistaken.

Tube amps have higher output impedances and in general do not work as well with "difficult load" speakers where impedances can drop to 4 ohms or lower, in particular for low range bass frequencies. This is just the general case though with tube amps versus SS categorically. I've heard some report tube amps may work just fine in these cases. Sometimes a separate powered subwoofer might be thrown in the mix to help compensate. SS will work better in generalthough IMHO for these kinds of speakers. Tubes can still be introduced if desiraed in the pre-amp and even in the source (tube DAC for example) if desired regardless of speaker design as long as the pre-amp output impedance matches well to the amp input impedance.

I also own the Bryston SP2 pre/pro, and just wouldn't replace it with any integrated amplifier, tube or otherwise. In my opinion Audiophile is fair when expressed surprise that with the bypass mode, the SP2 sounds just as good as any upper-crust preamplifier traditionally touted for 2-channel music listening, although the SP2 can handle movie surround sound as well. I own a pair of Pass Labs XA60.5 which is class A solid state amplifier. This combination transmits classic class A sound that if the equipment is hidden, you just wouldn't think that we are talking about typical solid state equipment. My point is, don't replace the SP2. Find a straight tube power amplifier if you like, although you certain don't have to. Have fun!

I've heard pretty great sounds on the Gallos driven by the Pass First Watt F5, only 25 watts, I believe! All watts are not created equal. Good luck,

Spencer

Darrenmc, I mean Stereophile, and not "Audiophile". Just type in keywords stereophile, bryston & SP2 into Google. You will see the review. But then you probably know about this already since you own the SP2.

Spatine,
Thanks for the response and I have no intentions of getting rid of my Bryston SP2. I'm looking to add a Tube preamp to the mix for 2 channel listening. My dealer recommended the Manley Jumbo Shrimp although I will not be able to demo it. I can basically get it at cost.