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Member's recommendations for tube amplification

Your thoughts on options to consider:

- I'd prefer SET (open to DHT but not a requirement).

- I'm not looking for overtly warm, romantic or lush options.

- Minimum power in the teens to twenties, 10W being the floor.

- Open to higher power push-pull amps, but let's limit ceiling to around 60W.

- Single ended is fine though having XLR inputs would be nice (doesn't have to be true balanced)

- I'm cool with single chassis or monos.

- I have preferences for tube types, but leaving it open ended to get broad recommendations.

- I'm currently running an all solid state system, though have had tube based systems built around ARC, BAT, Ayon, Melody, Pathos, etc.

- Preamp will be a Pass XP-20 or the Metrum Adagio DAC direct to the amp.

- I'd like to stay around 3K used but can push the budget to 6K new/used.

- Speaker sensitivity is 94dB and higher.

THANKS!
david_ten

Showing 12 responses by grannyring

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
 Also consider these Audio Note monoblock amps for sale; 
300b parallel SET monoblock amps. 

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649306274-audio-note-300b-parallel-legend/

Music Reference RM 10 would also be a sweet match with your DI speakers in my estimation.  Great little stereo amp that has proven itself as a winner for decades now.  
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
David, please let us know how the Volti speaker compared to the DI.  Which one would be your keeper if only one could be kept? I assume the DI, since you did not purchase the Volti? 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
David,

Well your writing is wonderful. Beautifully communicated and so enticing. Well said sir.   
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Very subjective for sure with 1 - 3.5 watts. I have talked to DI owners who experience did not match Terry’s with the ZOTL combo or good flee watt amps. Terry and others love it, others will not. No right or wrong here, just differing sonic pleasures. Very subjective for sure. We all hear differently and have differing expectations and sensitivities. This is one reason David, but a smart guy like you knows this 😊

Some are more sensitive to "underpowered" or "little headroom" in an audio system. Others hear the same system with no sensitivity to this and hear all the good. What is a black dot on a white piece of paper for some is not seen by others. We are fascinating creatures.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Coming too close to a SET amp’s maximum power output with little "headroom" left is an important consideration clio09... especially with SET amps. Ralph at Atmasphere has shared the Tech reasons behind this several times in these threads. Can you share why you think differently @clio09?

BTW....,Good to hear from you here on the Gon! I love the speaker and amp combo you have put together. What are you using for a preamp and source now?

Thanks

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
@clio09

I am truly sorry if I upset you. I respect your experience greatly and miss your posts here. My question was a sincere probing into your thoughts on headroom and its impact on speaker/amp synergy.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Just asked a question? Really just wanted to hear your response?  Yes I have done the SET amp speaker combo numerous times with and without success. All your points are true @clio09 

Your hibernation comment seems way over the top and you did not answer my other questions? My post is quite benign and I truly wanted your perspective.  What just happened here? 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
@charles1dad

Why did you repeat the hybernation comment in agreement? You should know better and have read me stating the very same points as @clio09

I just had a sincere question on headroom. It was specific. Not sure why you are pouncing on me in your professional and slightly concealed manner of late. Seems your view and understading of all things Audio is fixed and sensitive to more open minded considerations. I feel this is a fair assessment of late. 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
I owned two of Jacks amps. Loved his 15 watt 34 SET. In the end I needed more power for some 90db, 8 ohm speakers.

I have owned other SET amps that worked well with 92 - 95db speakers. I certainly have posted the exact additional considerations you posted over and over on this site. I simply wanted your deeper thoughts on headroom.

Not sure how you became upset, but I am genuinely sorry for that.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Agreed Charles. I do think my comment has some truth. It is for you to decide if there is a modicum of truth. We all have certain biases and bents. Goodness I have my quirks. Just good to see them sometimes. 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
It was well explained and that is clear. Just not sure why he made the hybernation comment and got upset. Are folks even reading, really reading posts here anymore? 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Perfect. Thanks @clio09

Funny thing is I am feeling the same as you regarding these Agon threads and sense hibernation is right around the corner for me. Things have changed over the years, discourse is rough and angry often times, and I have grown weary.  I am sure my fuse is short and sensitive for this reason. I have a few posts left in me and then will most likely hibernate.  I stay pretty fit and do not have the fat cover I should for this season of change😁   I remember our shared experience with passives, TRL, and general audio years ago.

Enjoy life, loved ones, and your passions!
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