sweet, euphonic, reasonably powerful tube amp?


I'm thinking about moving away from my ARC VT100 mkiii to something more euphonic, forgiving, and sweet-sounding...tubey, really. (The VT100 goes somewhat in that direction when using the 4-ohm tap, but it's still somewhat "dry". On the 8-ohm tap, it's way too bright for me.) I have a VTL ST150 that's sort of in that direction when in triode mode, but it's just a bit bright for my tastes, as well. I want soft, easy highs. I'm using Harbeth speakers--I have both the Compact 7's and the M30's. They are somewhat inefficient, and require some power, probably no less than 70 watts or thereabouts, give or take. I listen mostly to classical music, in a relatively small room (14x19), and usually at low volume, but sometimes I like to step it up and play some rock or push the volume with some orchestral stuff. Other requirements: vanishingly low distortion, reliability, and ease of repair.

(Basically what's happening is that I've done the hyper-revealing, detail thing, and now I want to get down to just listening to the music, so that it's less about slam, holographic imaging, and cymbals in the room with me, and more about just listening to the music--not that I don't like a certain amount of those things!)

My budget, on the used market, could be anywhere between $3000 - 5000. On the pre-amp side, I have a GNSC-modified ARC SP8, a BAT VK31 w/ bugle boys, and I just bought a second hand Mac 2200, which I'm trying out because I want--Yes, believe it or not--a tone control!

(I really am whimping out, I guess!)

Thanks.
eweedhome

Showing 3 responses by rodman99999

Funny- I've been rolling NOS tubes in my amps for decades without one issue. Happy searching!
What 6550's are your using in to VT-100? Some are brighter than others. have you tried lowering the bias slightly? That will also take a bit of edge off. If the amp were either the MK I or II, I'd suggest rolling the 6922's into a Mullard or Brimar to provide the euphonics and glaze you prefer. That 6H30 is your thorn right now! have you tried a Mullard or Brimar 12AT7 driver in that excellent VTL amp? That might give you just the right amount of warmth/sweetness in the midrange to make you happy. (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/product.asp?itemid=31&catid=45) (http://www.tubemonger.com/12AT7_ECC81_E81CC_ECC801S_6201_s/8.htm) You might give a pair of those a shot before spending a bunch on another amp. Too bad there aren't more options for the 6350.
You might also look for amps that are built with oil/paper caps in the signal path. Those lend the sound that you are searching for as well.