To Hot to Handle?


I have been contemplating the purchase of a tube amp. However, one of my concerns is the possible heat issues associated with running a tube amp (or mono blocs) with 12+ tubes during the summer in the Northeast. I do not have central air in my apartment.

Would it really be unbearable? I would appreciate comments from anyone with such experiences/solutions. Or, are there any 75+ watt tube amps in the under $2500 new/used category that don't run hot?

Thank you in advance,
mattybumpkin
I disagree with Unclejeff; once you hear tubes you won't want to go back to that scrap-metal SS crap ;-)........Anchor's away! Why not learn to make the heat your friend!? Get an amp with a cage, add a skillet and some eggs and sausage and breakfast is only moments away! Then close the door and windows, roll out the mat and practice Bikram Yoga that's all the rage. Later on you can use the same technique for a nice sauna (I'd advise you skip the steam - those tube amps won't take very politely to a ladle of water being poured on them). So turn that frown upside down! Inside every dark cloud is a tube amplifier! If you've got a bunch of lemons, make some gin and tonics and get yourself stinkin'ass drunk, hurl all over the carpet, fall asleep in your own chunky monkey and wake up 36 hours later with a headache that'll make you wish you'd died in your sleep!

Marco

PS An even better solution that I recommend from personal experience: Head northwest young man! Where class A tube amps stay on all day and air conditioning is a foreign concept, and the sky is grey as far as the eye can see all winter long. (That last bit is to keep too many from taking me seriously and crowding our already overburdened highways - but you're welcome Bumpkin! Just clean that bit of puke off your shirt before you come out here!).
I live in the Northeast in an non-air conditioned apartment and I use a 100w/ch tube amp(8xKT88)for the last twelve years without a problem. Don't worry about it. If you want tubes, go for it!
I have a small listening room and live in the Pacific Northwest. No air conditioning. I have a small solid-state rig that I move into the room during the summer months; I really can't take the heat from my vacuum tube amp.
Ahh, Dan.

I can see that you still have upgrade-itis and your taste seems to be changing as well. I didn't think you'd be selling the DNA125 for awhile, but I guess all the time you've been spending with Christy has filled your head with thoughts of warm, glowing...She told me she's gonna be appearing at some Erotica Expo here in LA in a few weeks. Do you mind if I get in some time with her? Heheh.

But back to your system. How do the Europas sound with the McCormack? Looking for a bit more warmth? Have you thought of the Rogue Magnum 120 monoblocks? Do you think the 60wpc BAT VK60 would cut the mustard? I know the VK60 will be hotter than Roselyn Sanchez after eating a bowl of Habanéro salsa. My solid state VK200 runs hot! Maybe the Rogues run cooler.

Good luck, Bro!
Dean
Gunbei,

I have all the warmth I need when Christy is around, and I mean a-ROUND (OO) if you know what I mean. Too bad she is out doing Tequila body shots with you most of the time.

The McCormack/Europa combo is excellent, no complaints at all. I have also been considering the Gold Revision to the amp, but have been bitten by the tube bug somewhat.

I have thought of the Rogues, 150's though. Well see what I do. Impression I am getting though is that tubes and no AC don't mix too well. Maybe upgrade the McCormack and get a small tube amp for winter, or get an inexpensive SS and a nice tube amp.

Regards,