Seeking advice on tube amps

John, those who assemble a SET system enter a very specific audio realm
where amplification and speakers are designed to work closely together. One
can safely assume speakers designed for SET amplification will work with
nearly any SET amplifier. It's easier to match gear, and comes with less risk. Do
you agree?

IMO, this is a different paradigm from someone searching for speakers to use
with push pull or OTL tube amplification where speakers designs are much
more varied.

I agree that one can select an amp first and buy speakers second IF the buyer
knows what to look for in a speaker that is tube friendly. Still, if one is starting
from scratch, why design a system around an amplifier rather than around the
sound of a speaker one likes (that is also tube friendly, if a tube amp will be
used)? This seems counterproductive to me.

To the OP, what source and preamp?,very important,if you are interested in say a Mac 275, what preamp and source will bedriving it ?, I have like 5 systems in my house, one of which is around a small pair of B&W cm2, a whopping $900/pair of book shelf speakers, I can dramatically change the sound with the electronics I have, I mean DRAMATICALLY,which shows me the speaker is at the mercy of what you feed it.

If someone is basically starting from scratch,they need to look ath the whole system as just that....a system, not just pick speakers and go from there.

There are many approaches with merit, and they can all work.

IMO, if you're going to go with Superhonestben's system approach, then it's
going to be a heck of a lot faster and easier to visit a couple dealers (or local
audiophiles) who have assembled systems, and done the matching. Listen
and pick a system you like and buy exactly what comprises the system.

Otherwise, there are too many variables and potential pitfalls. IMO.

My argument in favor of first identifying and buying a tube friendly speaker
you like eliminates the potential pitfall of buying an amplifier that does not
match well. A tube friendly speaker (high sensitivity...90+dB, nominal 8 ohm
impedance with dips no lower than 6 ohms), will successfully be driven by
just about any PP, or OTL tube amp, or SS amp. Then, if you want a certain
coloration, which is always personal preference, it's a matter of identifying an
amp that provides what you want. A tube friendly speaker will allow easier
experimentation with amplification, which is usually what happens with most
folks in this hobby. How many audiophiles do you know who buy a system
and leave it alone? I don't know one.

Perhaps the system approach, considering one that includes a tube friendly
speaker, is a worthwhile endeavor.

Grant,

For the most part I agree with you. I'm just playing devil's advocate here, as I do know folks who have fell in love with the sound of a specific amplifier, and proceed to find speakers that best suit the amp. Granted, most do it the other way around, but as in all things audio, there are always exceptions to every rule......no?

Cheers,
John

Exceptions. Absolutely.

I think the successful exceptions are usually accomplished by people who
have done a good amount experimentation and listening, or by people who
are well educated in component matching.

Having gone about it backasswards myself, next time I'd do it speakers first,
even though it's difficult to listen to many of the speaker brands out there
(actually a real PITA). In the long run I think it may save time and money.