high power tube amps vs ss

Hi Matt,

I have no experience with Dynaudio speakers, but my instinct would be to proceed with caution before going to tube amplification with them. In addition to the comments by Ralph and Mapman just above, I would emphasize that high quality high powered tube amplification tends to be quite expensive. And you clearly need lots of watts.

Based on the impedance curve of your speakers, shown in Stereophile's review here, I would consider their 86 db/2.83V/1m sensitivity to be roughly equivalent to 84 db/1Watt/1m. At typical listening distances (say 10 to 12 feet or so) that would mean that 70 watts into both speakers would produce a maximum SPL of around 96 db or so. While that is adequate for most listeners when listening to highly compressed rock music, I suspect it would be very disappointing with a lot of material having wide dynamic range (i.e., a wide difference in volume between the loudest and the softest notes).

My listening is about 90% classical (including a lot of wide dynamic range symphonic material), 5% rock, and 5% miscellaneous. I've measured some of the classical material I listen to as reaching 105 db at my listening position, which my 98 db/1W/1m speakers and 70W amp handle comfortably.

Although I haven't heard them, if you do want to consider tube amplification you may want to look into the higher powered models from Rogue Audio. Some of them provide close to 200 watts, at relatively reasonable prices, and seem to receive generally favorable user comments.

Best regards,
-- Al

"Does your system belt it out pretty loud and non fatiguing? OR does it seem to be very detailed and airy, but when you turn it up loud, can you listen for long periods?”

Matt, I haven’t heard Al’s Ulysses but I’ve heard the model just under them - the Argos; so I’m very confident that Al’s system would knock your socks off. But additionally, if you ever have the chance to hear a pair of Volti Vittora speakers, I would highly recommend that you take the opportunity; just to finally put to rest, any reservations you might have left, of what a few tube Watts can accomplish with the right speaker.

Al,
Wow, you really listen at very high SPLs.A few days ago a friend and I visited a local jazz club and his phone has an application for SPL measurements. Average volume was roughly 87-92 with drum kit peaks 100-105 (we were very close to the stage) but it was loud (unamplified that night, thakfully).I'd fear for my hearing with those levels at home on a regular basis. Most of my jazz CDs have a range of 25-35 db, but my average listening level is likely noticeably less than yours. I'm very familiar with your VAC REN 70/70 amplifier and it is a classic in my opinion (so is the 30/30 version).There's just something unique and special musically with DHT output tubes, in both SET and push pull mode.
Regards,

Al,
On relatively rare occasions when I crank up the volume it did remain controlled, clear and unstrained in character(95-103 peaks) but I just want to maintain good hearing as long as I can . I'm not getting any younger that's for sure, but my hearing is still quite good.
Charles,

Hearing issues come from sustained high levels, and unlike something like a gunshot next to your head, a short musical burst (from classical music for example) isn't going to hurt you usually...sitting next to a loud drummer might not be a good idea though...I know from what I speak. Also, the "speed" term makes no sense to me when applied to electrical signals flowing through an amp...I wonder if you even CAN measure the speed of a signal from input to output...I want to know if my tube amp is getting musical notes to me in a timely fashion!