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Tube Power Amp Suggestions

I have been looking for a tube power amp. Ideally I want to have about 40 to 70 watts output power, with sound qualities as close to a delicate SET amp as possible, with lots of details, fast, good tone (a tiny bit on the warm side) and imaging, yet with good bass and dynamic. Budget is about 10,000. Second-hand is fine. I know I am asking really too much and will probably get negative response because of this. I just want to get the best within my budget.    
      
My initial considerations are EAR 890 or EAR 861. What do you think?      
    
I heard people saying that push-pull amp can be better than SET if it is implemented well, but push-pull is more difficult to make than a SET amp.    
      
My speakers are measured 91db sensitivity, but it needs power to perform well. I have tried both a SET 300B XLS output at 13W and a push-pull EL34 at about 35W. My impression is as follow:            
      
- SET 300B XLS output at 13W: more delicate and smooth, better resolution and density, lack bass and dynamic       
- Push-pull EL34 at 35W: much more bass and dynamic, sounds a bit coarse, less 3-dimensional and delicate     
    
Thank you in advance for your input. 
   

bigdish

Showing 1 response by pweg

pweg
25 posts
 
Bigdish 

i would say you are spot on with ur assessments so far, except for lack of dynamics on the SET.  I would urge you to seek out a more powerful SET so you can get that great purity and 'jump out and touch you' realism that only SETs can offer. 

im not familiar with ear stuff so cant make a comment.

I had a Viva SET in my system just recently and thought it was absolutely wonderful, but being the bottom of the range and having the lowest output (20watts) the bass was slightly softer than what i a get out my 40watt push pull. 
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