2. amps-preamps
  3. 127327-23130

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 3 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
The Lamms might not be powerful enough. The Atma M60s were one of the first I thought of. 
Dehavilland is known for more powerful set designs using a variety of tubes 845s, GM70s etc. They are exactly what you describe. Kara is a great resource, and super supportive. They aren't as well known as some brands, but well worthy of consideration.
IMHE, both of these will be a bit more dynamic with better extension at each end of the freq. spectrum than 300Bs that offer awesome mids and not quite so much otherwise.
The VAC 70/70 is a great amp, but personal priorities will really come into play here. Cheers,
Spencer  
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
If you consider @atmasphere 's kind comment that generously points away from his own products to something that fits your speakers better, perhaps Pass or First Watt single ended solid state like the old Aleph series would be a great fit. 
Another ss amp that many might laugh at my suggestion but has both current and voltage outputs is the Sunfire by Bob Carver. Punches above it's price, especially nowadays, and meets the technical requirements mentioned above.
Personally, I'd still bet that a 40-50w 845, 211 etc. might hold up fine. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
@bigdish So what did you end up doing? Cheers,
Spencer
More to discover