2. amps-preamps
  3. 1254788291

KT88 or EL34 based tube amp for Titus ES

I’m shopping for a new integrated tube amp for my Triangle ES speakers. Music source at the moment would be Logitech squeezebox internet music streamer. Room size is 12X12. Primary listening habits: Jazz, classical, vocals at low volume at most of the time. I have a few ideas:

1. PL Prologue Two
2. Mystere ia11 (or do I need step up to ia21 to get the best out of my speakers)
3. PL Prologue Three/Five combo

I never get a chance to compare KT88 ( power) with EL34 (tone) side by side, some people like EL34’s the mids and the soundstage. I understand that KT88 might go lower,…but does it really matters with small bookshelves like mine? Any suggestions? Thanks.
128x128srmax
srmax's avatar
srmax OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your suggestion. It proofs that there is a life beyond the Primaluna world. Almarro looks very approachable. Is there a danger of damaging speakers with single-ended amp, say when the burned filament shorts out the output? Thanks.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I too have looked at the Almarro.Be sure to find a reliable source for your 6c33c tubes.I know that Quicksilver gave up on them.Lamm keeps some,hand selected for the output on the ML2.
maxmad
182 posts
 
Concerning Almarro318B. Make sure you have enough space for it, cos he produce lots of heat, so, no kids around.
darkmoebius
899 posts
 
Srmax,

If you are talking about about a runaway output tube, I had that happen with an Audion Sterling ETSE integrated EL34 tube and there was never any danger of damage to my speakers. Most well-built amps have a resistor or thermister, etc. to protect speakers from damage in this situation.

As for 6C33C-B sources, you can always get them from Alamarro reps or the company directly.
Also, the Tubestore.com sells 6C33c's.

I have traded emails directly with the owner of Almarro, Mr Muramatsu, and he goes out of his way to make customers are well taken care of. Both he and his son (along with Brian @ Venus HiFi) helped me replace a defective A318A that an unscrupulous (potential)dealer sold which was never meant for commercial distribution.

And, Maxmad makes a very good point, the A318B is not the type of amp you want to put in tight equipment rack or anything closely above it. Those 6C33C's put out a lot of heat.
More to discover