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Tube vs Solid State

Folks,

For past few months, I have been trying to achieve best possible sound in my rig. The focus now is clearly on a improving 2 channel sound in what started as a home theater room.  

In past couple of years, I have added N10, Modwright DAC and very recently a LS36.5 linestage . The amps are Modwright KWA150SE. I am running pair of KWA150SE's in bridge mode (450Wx1) for the mighty B&W 800D2's.  While I like the sound as is, still feel something is missing. 

I have been toying with the idea of bi-amping.  One thought is to add mono tube amps to run mid's and high's and let the KWA150SE's handle the LF's. I am pursuing that seductive, slightly warm mid-range and top end that usually comes from tube amplification.  

I don't think there is any tube amp out there by itself capable of powering up bass hungry 800's. I prefer not to use a subwoofer in 2 channel setup. I listen to mostly jazz and classical music and quite sure that 800's are capable of producing adequate bass with proper amplification. 

Any feedback would be appreciated. 

Cheers! 
128x128lalitk
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
Have you heard the speakers in another system that did what you seek? What were they using to drive them? 

Have you tried any hybrid amps that will offer the control of SS output stages and maybe a bit more warmth on the top & mids?

I'd be cautious of the biamp route due to complexity described already by others. Either amps or speakers will probably need to change. Sounds like you've tried more tweaks than most would. Cheers,
Spencer
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
1,105 posts
 
Thanks Al, i will speak to Dan soon and chime back in soon. 

Spencer, great feedback.  I have heard 800's with McIntosh and Classe and to my ears, McIntosh matched very nicely with 800's. I would love to try Aesthetix Atlas mono's but they are bit out of my budget. 

I am not parting with 800's anytime soon :-)
So I will continue to explore Amp/Preamp options. 
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
lalitk- I was not trying to dissuade you from the active bi-amp configuration; I am using it to great effect (at least to my aging ears) in my system.  I have the NHT X-1 crossover and it seems to be up to the task.  It's quite a bit less $ (cheapskate that I am) than the Marchand or Pass so it might be a way to see if it starts you down the right road.  

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
bridge/mono mode
In every case I ever seen/heard/measured bridging a stereo amp yes gives more wattage, but your damping factor is halved and the bass is never as controlled.

Cheers George
 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
1,105 posts
 
@swampwalker , you didn't dissuade me at all. I am still determined to try bi-amping before I give it up in favor of a hybrid or class A heavyweights, like Krell or Pass Labs. 

George, good point. That's exactly what I experienced last weekend. 

Cheers!
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