Next step: tube pre or tube power amp?

Thanks guys for the feedback. My speakers are GR Research AV3s in an AV2 cabinet. They are 8ohm nominal/6ohm minimal and 91db sensitive. I may one day move to the GR Research Neo2x which are the same rating, but much less sensitive - 85db.

I'd prefer a tube power amp for WAF and convenience - I can hide it behind some fake greenery in our AV cabinet...

I am also researching the Peachtree Nova - the integrated tube amp with built in DAC. A bit beyond my budget, but it looks like a great all in one package. My local Rotel dealer is also a Peachtree dealer, so I could a/b them and see what I think.

thanks for the feedback so far

09-09-09: Stevecuss
My speakers are GR Research AV3s in an AV2 cabinet. They are 8ohm nominal/6ohm minimal and 91db sensitive.

You should have no problem with a tube amp. Depending on the size of your room and the volumes at which you listen, you could probably get away with less than 75 wpc, but I'd still suggest 75 wpc minimum.

I would opt for a tubed pre amp. It will give you a hint of tube magic, and a ss amp will give you slam speed and bass impact.

Tube pre is the way to go. The load to the speakers you have is better if it comes from a SS amp.

The load to the speakers you have is better if it comes
from a SS amp.
Buconero117 (Threads | Answers)

I disagree. 8 ohm nominal impedance with a 6 ohm minimum is a reasonably
flat impedance curve which can be handled without any problem by a push
pull tube amplifier.

91dB sensitivity is a non-issue. It can be driven by either a SS or tube amp.

Frankly, IMO, the OP has his choice of SS or tube amp (provided the tube amp
is a push pull design). He may even have the opportunity to use an OTL tube
amp.