Tube amplification for Lipinski 505's?


I have a Plinius 8200 mkII that I have enjoyed with these Lipinski 505's. It's been great, but it's still solid state. I want to get a tube integrated without spending more than $2000 used. A safe bet would be to get a push-pull 40+ watt like Rogue Cronus or similar (which I have heard, and is very decent with the 505's). But I am curious if lower power integrateds might do well, or perhaps better. While the 505's are rated at a sensitivity of 93, they are 4 ohm. Before I bought the 505's I thought I would need significant power to drive them, being 4 ohms. But to my surprise, they seem very efficient. It's an easier load on the Plinius than my Devore gibbon 8's were, whose rated sensitivity is 88 at 8 ohms. I barely crank the volume up on my system, usually between 7-8 o'clock on the dial; 9 o'clock at most. Also the system is used in a small room (11'x11'). So I am thinking I may be able to take advantage of some of the lower power offerings. I am wondering what others have used with their Lipinki's with good results. And, of course if anybody has experimented with some lower power integrateds, like the Leben cx-300 (12 watts?), vintage tube integrateds, or even SET amps.

Thoren's 145II turntable, and Scott LT-112B tuner are the sources.
vagust

Showing 1 response by calbrs03

Solid state is not a bad thing. The NOS tube bug is a bad thing. It will happen if you buy a tube amplifier, especially one that rolls tubes easily, like a Cary or a Rogue.

I'd keep the Plinius and be happy. It's a fine amplifier. However, if the tube bug persists, try a Sophia, the one that uses EL34s. It's inexpensive; it resells quickly; it sounds great (find one with upgraded caps); and it has power enough (30 watts?) to discover if you like tubes for the long haul.