going to tubes, just one question..


I'm re thinking my entire roadmap for upgrading..I plan to leave my SS amp/pre amp behind for tubes. I've caught the vinyl bug and I think tubes will only enhance my experience.
I can't get my head around one thing. What rule of thumb should I be using when matching power/current to speaker loads, i.e. power hungry speakers driven by 8 watts...? Can someone tell how this is possible? My fear is shortchanging myself on power and current....
Budget for both amp and preamp, say 3k
gelmhirst

Showing 1 response by philjolet

FWIW power ratings can be misleading. My Audio Note Soro (SET) is rated at 18 watts and can drive my 88db speakers to near all they can handle. The Soro sounds like it has closer to 80 watts and very vibrant and flowing it is, the music flies out of the speakers.

Speaker impedance is usually the issue with tube amps, they usually do not like to go down to 4 OHMS. This can be helped with an autoformer like Paul Speltz sells at zeroimpedance.com. You replace your speaker wires with them and can increase the impedance load the amp sees depending on which wire you use. You can fine tune the sound to tighten up the bass as much as you want, they are fun and very good.

Just my 2 cents