Tube Amps With Good Bass Qualities


I have been reading over posts about tube amps and their bass qualities. I understand that for the most part, that a ss amp with have an edge in bass qualities compared to a tubed amp. Damping factor, etc. But I can give up a little of that edge for what I enjoy in the midrange qualities of a tubed amp. So my question is, what tube power amps have you heard that have good bass qualities?  Raven, Quicksilver, Mac, etc.?   Let's give a price point. 5K or under. What do you think?
jwlaff

Showing 6 responses by georgehifi

everything to do with how well the amp can drive the speaker.

And a "leviathan" (as gavman stated) solid state amp will drive far more variety of differing speaker loads than tubes can, especially speakers with low impedance, and - phase angle, as this makes the low impedance much worse as seen by the amp. 

We had an "amp try out fest" one Sunday a while back at friends house that had a pair of  JBL Synthesis 1400 Array's,
https://www.stereophile.com/content/jbl-synthesis-1400-array-bg-loudspeaker-measurements
His mate came over also with his OTL 60watters, they ran out of steam abruptly on bass dynamics at anything slightly above normal/low volume they were nice up till that, but it wasn't nice when it did, and the amps were fine, adjusted to spec and tubes just 4 months old.
 
jwlaff OP

I believe one may get good bass from this tube poweramp "Music Reference RM-200 Mk.II" power amplifier with speakers that have low impedance’s, using the purpose made for the job 2ohm transformer speaker output tap.

But as with most tube poweramps the lower the output tap used, the less wattage is available, so this needs to be taken into consideration.
A classic match would be Wilsons they are very low in impedance 2ohms usually in the bass yet quite high in efficiency 98db! so could be a good match for the this amp on the 2ohm tap.

Cheers George
 but the weight of the sustain doesn't match what a solid state leviathon can do.

This is so correct, all you have to do is play some sustained organ or similar to immediately hear the difference, and not just on subs, but on inefficient hard to drive floor standers too, and the winner is the one that tries to rearrange your innards.

Cheers George
Even improving the source can make the amp and therefore the speakers sound better.
Yes that's for sure also, the main one though is the amp, it has to control the speakers movements, wild and varying loads, high and low impedances, and not be upset by any back emf from the speaker either.

Cheers George  
jwlaff

If you’ve still got the Klipsch Heresy’s, anything good sounding will do, as almost rubbing two sticks together will drive them. https://community.klipsch.com/uploads/monthly_02_2016/post-453-0-91780000-1456333330.jpg

If your set on tubes, probably OTL’s would be your best pick.

I had the Heresy’s this is what I would do.
The Schiit 25w Class-A Aegir would be a cracker for just $799 So long as you don't want big party levels. https://www.schiit.com/products/aegir

If you’ve got the bi-ampable Heresy’s
https://cdn.gearpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Klipsch-Heresy-III-Review-gear-patrol-slide-5-...
You could then go horizontal Bi-Amping with the Schhiit Class-A Aegir on the mids and highs and the $699 Schiit Vidar for the bass. https://www.schiit.com/products/vidar now that would be a killer combo for less than $1500 and you can trial them for 15days.

http://av2day.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/biamp1.jpg

Cheers George
Amps don’t make good bass. Speakers create music, including bass response.
Amps control the speakers, especially the bass with damping and current, if not you’ve got crud.

Cheers George