To all tube lovers.......


To all the tube lovers out there: If you COULD NOT listen to a tube amp and you HAD to go solid state or digital, what amp would you get to replace your tubes? I've always been a tube guy. Every amp I've ever owned has been a tube amp. However, I may get a new speaker that is 88 db @ 4 (maybe 6), ohm. If so, I must get a higher powered amp. Keep in mind, I"m not just looking for any amp. Preferably 100 watts or more. Solid state? Digital? I've heard wonderful and not-so-wonderful feedback on Nuforce and Spectral in the digital camp.

I just don't want to regret getting out of tubes just so I can change speakers.
devilboy
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How about a hybrid amp?
They provide the best of both worlds; Lots of power and great bass response, like a solid state amp, and great mid-range and treble response, like a tube amp.

I suggest the Lamm M2.2 monoblocks. They have 220 wpc, with rock solid, deep, quick and tight bass response. And yet the mid-range and treble response is very nearly as good as some of the best tube amps I have ever heard, (such as the VAC Phi 300.1). Best of all, there is only one 6922 tube in each of these amps, so tube rolling is easy and relatively cheap. (I say relatively cheap, because a really nice 6922 tube, such as an Amperex pinched waist will still set you back a few hundred for the pair. But then again, in a pair of amps that cost approximately $20K new, what is a few hundred dollars.)

I have compared the M2.2's to the DarTZeel NHB-108, and the Lamms were clearly superior to both my ears and to my friend's ears. (The DarTZeel is somewhat underpowered in their bass response, IMHO.)

FYI: I currently use the Lamm M2.1 monoblocks and love them. They are just slightly dark sounding in comparison to their predecessors, the M2.2 monoblocks, but they can be had for about $7K used, versus the $12K used price for the M2.2s.

My two cents worth.
I've been very happy going to Plinius class A from tubes. With that said there are plenty of afforable tube amps that will drive your speakers depending on room size and listening levels. Have not heard a digital amp that I liked. What speakers?
McIntosh 7270. I have 85dB speakers and my Cary CAD120s drives them just fine. You WILL miss tube sound. Happy listening. The problem is your speakers. Happy listening.