Extra power or cleaner power?


I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some (atma-sphere, decooney) have suggested on this forum that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!
128x128hilde45

Showing 1 response by mozartfan

Ok had to research what a SULK SSM6 speaker was made of,,,SB Acoustics Satori, perhaps as good, or some say superior to my SEAS Thor EXCEL lab speakers.
I plan to add the SB Satori 2.5 way later this year.
anyway, mighty fine speaker you’ve got there..
now to match it...
Jadis used intergrated is most likely out your budget,,a gorgeous I50 just went on Ebay.
like $4K+.
anyway, my best opinion for you would be a used cayin KT88 amp. , if you can find one...,.then have the caps modded to Mundorf SGO.
add some E80’s in the AU section , and your choice on AX’s. KT’s all sound about equal., just stay with stock tubes.
Now you’ve got a class A sound system.
The Cayin I am refering to is the Cayin 70 model, with 4 KT88’s.
later on roll with KT150’s.
Trans are built like tanks, easily handel the 150’s. with no stress at all...
EDIT~~~ Just cked ebay listing on the KT88 70 model,,seems the lab emplyed the 6LS7 as pre tube,,,= not going to work.
You needa tube amp with 12AU7 pre , , either all AU’s or a few AX;’s.
These are superior to 6SL7’s. You need to hear the E80 in a AU pre socket.
Try the Line Magnetic series of tube amps, new + ship about $1400

scratch LM, go with
Muzishare X7, offers 2 AU sections, employ E80CC's. nice amp for $1K+