2. amps-preamps
  3. 1026163314

Is a Tube Amp Capable of High Current?

I need your help.

I have a pair of VERY inefficient speakers (Platinum Solos), but am also a big fan of tubes. I know that tubes can work with power-hungry speakers as I have done it with a pair of Magnepans...BUT...I'm not certain that it will work in this case.

The speakers are rated at 84db with a nominal impedence of 6 ohms.

I am purchasing an Audio Research D-125 which is rated at 115wpc.

I know that people always say that "tube watts" are more powerful than solid state watts, but I'm not really sure what that means. I also always hear people say that you need a "high current" amp. I've always taken this to refer to solid state, but can this be true of tube amps as well? Is the ARC D-125 high current?

I'm not a head-banger and certainly prefer quality over quantity when it comes to sound. Also, my room is not particularly huge, so that shouldn't be too big of a factor.

I need your advice. Am I setting myself up for disappointment? Does a load like this inherently require solid state amplification?

Thanks!
dan53e1
unsound
6,115 posts
 
I don't think a 6 Ohm load will require that much current. 84 db's will require power though. A high power tube amp should fit the bill. Though a high power tube amp usually comes with a high bill. I'm not familiar with your speakers but a high power VTL should fit the numbers. Of course fitting the numbers doesn't mean it will float your boat sonicaly.
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 
I second Angela100's suggestion of Wolcott amps (disclaimer - I'm a Wolcott owner & dealer). No, they won't double their power output going from 8 ohms to 4 ohms, and again into 2 ohms, like a beefy high-current solid state amp will. But, they will deliver their rated power into a 1.7 ohm load, which is pretty darn good for a tube amp. Especially for a tube amp that uses EL34 tubes, which are traditionally noted for their midrange performance, rather than their stability into difficult loads. But Wolcotts are the amplifier of choice of many Sound Lab owners, and Sound Labs are a difficult speaker to drive.

A feature of the Wolcotts that is quite welcome with demanding loudspeakers is the adjustable output impedance control, which allows the user to fine-tune the amplifier/speaker interface.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
jwaugh
103 posts
 
There are a number of tube amps that will be able to handle that sensitivity. I can't comment on specific matches, but I can tell you that there are several (VTL and smaller) that might work. Feel free to email me if you want any specifics on my own experiences with other speakers. I have been on a real quest to match my current and planned inefficient speakers with "tube-like" SS. I can tell you that it will be much easier and cheaper to find high current tube amps than tube-like SS...

BTW nice answer Ghostrider!

Best of luck,
Jacob
artistic_audio's avatar
artistic_audio
42 posts
 
We represent the Wyetech Labs SET Tube amps and found them to drive very difficult speaker loads better than much higher powered tube amps. the Topaz stereo amp which is rated at 25 watts can out drive my 175 watt Airtight monos. a very well designed power supply is the key!
cbird1
21 posts
 
I agree with artistic audio...power supply takes the cake. I've heard any number of well made lower powered tube amps, drive the hell out of something that the numbers indicate would be a mis-match. Consider the size of your room-the type of dynamics that are important to you and audition. Wright sound company makes amps that drive things they shouldn't....I've heard their 2a3's drive and 86db 8 ohm speaker at 3.5 watts, its not a combo I would advocate but the fact that it makes good music makes a point...their 300b amp drove the speakers as loud as I could stand-check them out at www.thewright-sound.com

good luck,

cbird
More to discover