I need a quiet tube amp

What do you guys think of the VAC Renaissance series?

I am definitely going to check out the ground loop issue immediately.

But, as regards the speaker issue, the ProAc 2.5s have an impendance curve of about 6.5ohms to 11ohms and an extemely benign phase angle which, even at 87db, makes them a very easy load. I've tried a well regarded speaker line that is marketed to SET users (92db model) and it was more difficult to drive properly than the 2.5s. Also, my room is small (11 x 13.5 x 8ft ceiling) and I sit at a medium distance so this also makes things better. I also tried a stand mounted two way rated at 91db which did not come to life like the ProAc. Finally, my amp is extremely well designed with huge Tamura trannies that are desgined for better drive characteristics than most SETs.

I have been poking around trying to find something easier to drive and as musical as the 2.5s for the last three years but have so far been unsuccessful. But I am looking for a 2nd amp with more power and will use for "power music" listening.

See my last entry. The 2.5s are an extremely easy load especially in a small room like mine (see my entry above!) although the 2A3 monos I owned a few years ago failed miserably. However, my Air Tight has more drive power than any other 300B amp I know and does great in my room with most types of music. However, I do hear buzzing/hum coming from speakers when being within 3-4 ft of them. I think it does have to do with some sort of grounding problem and am in process of checking things out through pre-amp company.

Also, phase angle also is very meaningful when choosing a partnering amp. I'm not real knowledgable about this fact but was able to find out the 2.5s have a begnin one and many speakers don't.

One thing, my experience with SETs (having owned four) is that the more efficient the speaker, the louder any noise in the system will be. I took my 2A3 monos to a friends house maybe three years ago and his Corner Horns were far noiser than any other one tried - they were the most efficient. By the way, I'm getting music as loud as I want with the volume control less than half engaged. Yes, when it's turned up beyond what I ever want to listen to (remember my small room) the amp's limitations become evident. However, this combo is the best I've used at home an that includes everything from another 300B amp (mono-blocks), 20wt 572 SET, 25wt OTL, 25wt S/S, 100wt S/S, and a 135wt P/P tube.

Elevick, thanks for the offer but this is the best SET I've ever heard and I'm keeping it even if something replaces it.

Crazy4blues - You owe me a burrito! The first two years of owning the 2.5s I had a Mesa Baron 150wt tube amp and have also used a 150wt SS and 25wt various tube and SS amps. The ProAcs sound best with the Air Tight ATM300 but, again, they are a very easy load, I listen in the relative nearfield, and my room is small. I know exactly what you mean, though, as I've gotten subtantially better bass from them and that's why about two years ago I bought a REL subwoofer. Tube and especially SETs sound far more powerful than the simple wattage rating. The SS Muse mono 150s never did sound powerful since the music just got louder, it didn't get more, um, "musical", if you know what I mean. I think that's why we all have tube amps.

And I know what Phil means since I've also owned 572 SETs which put out 15-20 wts and they drive the ProAcs wonderfully with deep and well defined bass. They actually did more realistic bass than the Mesa which simply pounded the bass region harder and louded.

I use a Placette remote volume control instead of pre-amp as I've also tried a bunch of those and even owned an $8,500.00 tube job. Nothing sounds more direct and transparent than what's being used now. (Hey, where's that guy who used to tell us we have to spend $15,000.00 to get a proper pre-amp?) A pre-amp will add another gain stage which may likely make any noise louder, if it doesn't add it's own.

I'd like to spend about $2,000.00 for a used tube amp and have been checking out various ALSs and ANs but, unfortunately, looks now matter to me so it's taking more time than it should. I'm havin' fun, though!

Ahhh...hee! hee!