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tubes and current

hi all, I current use a 300B SET with a pair of B&W805 D3 sounds good but with obviously drawback that the B&Ws love high current and the 300B SET can only do so much.  I've been saving up for a second tube amp for large orchestral music and when I want lush full body sound.

I've been looking between EL34/KT88 amps with 4 tubes vs 8 tubes.  I have borrowed a 4x EL34 tube amp before and there was more than enough volume for me, so I don't need 8x tubes for more volume.  What I'm wondering is if 8x tubes would produce 1.5x-2x the current produced or is that really just a design of the amplifier not directly related to number of tubes.

Otherwise, any high current tube amp you guys like below $2500 used or new?  
Is it worth trying 300B push pull or 845 SET?

Thanks.
hifineubee
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
828 posts
 
VAC Renaissance 30/30 MK3 can be had used for around $3K.   It has four 300B tubes in push-pull configuration, generating 32 very strong wpc.  I've been using a 30/30 Signature to drive my large Harbeth M-40.1's with good results.  The amp generates very high current, has robust transformers and weighs in at a healthy 75 pounds, due in large part to the large transformers.  Not my preferred amp for rock, but outstanding for jazz, classical, acoustic and female vocals.

Music Reference RM9 MK2 is another good choice.   It can be had for around $2,500.   It has eight EL34 tubes and generates 125 wpc.  I use it mostly for up tempo pop and rock, but it's good with all genres.   Midrange magic at it's finest.

Both classic amps that are sure to make you smile.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
I love my Mid Monos, huge value and sound great .   Have used them with several loudspeakers and they never disappoint.  They can run 6L6, KT66, KT77, KT88, in addition to EL34.   Currently using them with a pair of Heresy III and it is a great pairing.   Quicksilvers support is unmatched.
hifineubee OP
51 posts
 
thanks for feedback so far.  @phreder, how does 300B push pull compare to El34 push pull?  Once it loses the 'SET' magic, how do the two compare given the huge price difference in tubes?  thx
elevick
2,439 posts
 
You may end up with significantly different sound by switching between amps and tubes.  If you love your current sound and just need more power, you have answered your own question as to buy a second amp.  However, that may not be enough power for your needs either.  What 300B is your current amp?  That will get you better suggestions.
hifineubee OP
51 posts
 
I use a Dared VP-300B.  Not sure we're getting to my original answer.  Hope to clarify here my original question is 'does adding more tubes increase high current of amp (not just watts) or is high current mainly determined by amp design and transformer used and not directly related to amount of tubes used'.  I'm trying to understand the age old wisdom with solid state amplifier that a 1000watt amp. doesn't automatically equate to high current amp, in tube world does having lots of tubes also does not automatically equate to high current amp?  Again, I don't need higher volume, I need higher current for dynamics and fuller body sound.  Thanks all.
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