2. amps-preamps
  3. 135188-9233

Tube amps and heat

I have 2 systems in play. #1 PrimaLuna Dialogue amp with a Mytek Brooklyn DAC using Tidal. # 2 BelCanto Ref 600 Mono's same Mytek and Tidal.  I like the PrimaLuna slightly better. More separation and just the right amount of bass. The Bel Canto is very close but ever so slightly missing something, maybe in clarity separation. Since I live in AZ using the PrimaLuna with 14 tubes is difficult (HEAT). Question --- Is there am amp the will give me the sound of the PrimaLuna tube and not generate as much heat, something like a hybred. Or can I put in the BelCanto system a tube pre amp/hybred and get the tube benefit on that system as well. I've been using the PrimaLuna system during the winter, however we are starting to warm up here. 90+ this weekend and I'm afraid I'll have to shut down the PrimaLuna for 6 months or so. Suggestions anyone. BTW I just tried a Aesthetix Calypso Pre with the Bel's and didn't like the sound. I could live with it, but it's not what I'm looking for.
Thanks

gary
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Showing 3 responses by rhljazz

rhljazz
1,249 posts
 
I’m in AZ as well and know what you’re talking about.  I have summer and winter setups.  My BAT VK55 is a heat monster and right now with temps reaching the nineties it’s reaching my limits for afternoon operation.  If I don’t want to change speakers, I can switch to my VAC amp which runs much cooler but doesn’t sound quite as good.

In my summer setup I use a tube preamp (VAC or Manley) with a W4S amp.  I think you just need to find a tube preamp that mates well with your Bel Cantos.  The PrimaLuna preamps are tube rectified which make more heat so that may not be the solution either.  The Manley is really good for the money.  I like it way more than the Audio Research preamps.
rhljazz
1,249 posts
 
To all the fan proponents, it’s a no go.  AZ summers peak at up to 120 day time and stay 95 overnight. A/C systems run almost continuously. If one room generates much more heat than others which requires the thermostat to be turned down, then you run the additional expense of cooling the remainder of the house which doesn’t require additional cooling. 

Most houses have vaulted ceilings so there is no easy way to install an exhaust vent over equipment either.

Any additional heat in the summer is your enemy!
rhljazz
1,249 posts
 
Btw, I’ve used my VAC amp over a summer (4 Kt 88’s) and it’s tolerable but still not ideal.  The BAT amp with (4 6C33’s) and all class A triode is intolerable.  You can feel a massive heat bubble from 3 feet away.  The tube preamps are no problem for me.
During the winter months the BAT is great.
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