My Heresy IIIs (allegedly 99db efficiency) with my recently acquired MQA streamer and higher capability turntable cartridge are clear as a bell using a 12wpc or so little SEP amp...no clue how hard I'm pushing the little amp (it gets loud...sometimes...often alcohol related so SUE ME) but I'm very sensitive to overload distortion and seem to be using a relatively small amount of the wattage as I hear no breakup or distortion...none...the bass under 58hz is covered swimmingly by 2 powered subs.
Never Owned a Tube Amp and Want Advice
Hi All,
I have never owned a tube amplifier before and am planning to purchase one with a minimum of 50 watts per channel to mate with 8 ohm 88 dbl speakers.
My hope is experienced audiogoners will share their expertise regarding how to approach this. While I realize listening is the best way to learn about sound and compatibility; I want to learn a better understanding about brands with less maintenance and longer tube life, how to decide between mono or stereo,can a newbie play with bias or is auto biasing a better first choice, etc.
I would also appreciate what to look for in selecting a used tube amp to identify one that might be in need of repair. For example, with solid state depending on the brand, capacitor replacement can be more of a concern. Any advice on what to look out for or ask about with used tube amps would be appreciated.
A big question I have is how to understand the relationship between power tubes like E34's, 120.s, etc. and, I guess the driver? tubes like 12au7's and 12at7's. That is to ask which is more critical to the overall sound of the amp? FWIW, I routinely tube roll with my preamps.
I 've read through a number of threads but maybe someone can point me to good ones I may have missed.
Thanks for listening,
Dsper
I have never owned a tube amplifier before and am planning to purchase one with a minimum of 50 watts per channel to mate with 8 ohm 88 dbl speakers.
My hope is experienced audiogoners will share their expertise regarding how to approach this. While I realize listening is the best way to learn about sound and compatibility; I want to learn a better understanding about brands with less maintenance and longer tube life, how to decide between mono or stereo,can a newbie play with bias or is auto biasing a better first choice, etc.
I would also appreciate what to look for in selecting a used tube amp to identify one that might be in need of repair. For example, with solid state depending on the brand, capacitor replacement can be more of a concern. Any advice on what to look out for or ask about with used tube amps would be appreciated.
A big question I have is how to understand the relationship between power tubes like E34's, 120.s, etc. and, I guess the driver? tubes like 12au7's and 12at7's. That is to ask which is more critical to the overall sound of the amp? FWIW, I routinely tube roll with my preamps.
I 've read through a number of threads but maybe someone can point me to good ones I may have missed.
Thanks for listening,
Dsper