AES Cary Sixpacs and Silverline Audio Sonata III

The difference between SS and tubes on my Sonata III has to do with tonal balance across the frequency range, not with volume.

The tube amp emphasizes certain frequencies, and de-emphasizes others. The sound is unbalanced. Both tube amps I own(ed) had this effect, and each are highly regarded amplifiers.

The sound has better balance with the SS amp because no frequency is emphasized.

FWIW, I do not have the Silverline III's (I have the Bolero's) but I have heard them at Silverlines location in California. I think Tvads comments are probably right on, considering that you like rock and like to 'turn the volume up'. If I had bought the III's I'd probably have been looking for some very refined SS amps to balance out the bass possibilities and the upper frequencies. Now if I was willing to pass on some of the punch in the bass I think I could have found hog heaven with tubes. They really are fine speakers but they are not, as I suspect Tvad has found, necessarily plug and play.

My experience with tube amps and the Sonata III involves more than bass issues. The treble region with two of my tube amps has been overly aggressive and bright, and the midrange has been recessed.

This is why I have continually emphasized tonal balance in this thread rather than only bass response.

Tvad, Interesting observations about the III's mid-range being recessed. I'd hate to see what you thought of my Bolero's! :-) When you were considering tube amps were you also considering the type of power tubes used in them might contribute to the sonic signature? Type to type/brand to brand. I've found that selection can make some difference when it comes to linearity and dealing with coloration built into poweramps. FWIW.

No Newbee, I did not. I selected two highly regarded tube amps. One push-pull KT88 with 160 wpc, and one OTL 6AS7 with 60wpc. It's not as though they both sucked. The KT88 amps actually sound pretty darned good, but not as balanced as the SS amp.

Blindjim loves his Sonata III with the Dodd Audio 120 EL34 tube amps, so perhaps the EL34 based AES Sixpacks will be spectacular with the Sonata III.

Look, I've beaten this to death and I apologize for that. My observations simply reflect the recommendation made by the designer of the Sonata III.

I'm signing off this thread. Best of luck to the OP in his search.