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Tube amp for Reference 3A - SET or push-pull?

Just now diving into the world of vinyl and tubes. I have just purchased a turntable and am now looking to purchase speakers and a tube amp. I've pretty much settled on the Reference 3A MM de capos after hearing them for an audition.

I don't listen to much jazz or classical, mostly alt-rock (new order, love rockets, david bowie) and downtempo electronica (Tosca, Thievery Corp).

I know next to nothing about tube amps but I am planning on getting an integrated and spending about $1500 - $2500.

I like the idea of a Triode but I am wondering if push-pull with higher power is better for dynamics on this type of music? I barely understand the difference other than I read the Triode amps don't put out many watts on the dollar.

Thanks in advance.

Also, where can I find a primer/FAQ on hifi tube amps?
cbcarbaj

Showing 1 response by lacee

lacee
811 posts
 
My last pair of speakers were the Ref 3A Grand Veenas and I powered them to good levels with a 2 watt SET from DecWarem the Zen Select.

It has a built in volume control and sounds quite good when you run a single source into it, which is what I did.

Ref speakers aren't clutered with crossover parts, so SET amps can really work well.
I also had good sound with an Art Audio Carissa, which is an 845 PP amp, and an Atmasphere S30,an OTL amp.

All three tube amps were very good with my ref speakers which are more demanding of power due to the extra drivers and lower frequency.

You shouldn't have any problems with these amps on your speakers.

And I also tried a Pass Aleph 3, solid state class A, which was quite good.
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