I shouldn't have mentioned the bass as it really isn't a big deal. The main reason is the cost of re-tubing. Here is the breakdown:
4 Tung Sol KT-120 tubes cryoed 232.00
2 Mullard reissue 12au7 tubes cryoed 66.00
1 RCA Cleartop 12au7 tube (preamp) 45.00
2 Svetlana 12ax7 tubes cryoed 66.00
TOTAL 409.00
I stand corrected on the price, not 450.00. The only nos tube is the RCA cleartop and thats only 20.00 more than a decent 12au7 tube.
I tried KT-88, KT-77 and EL-34 output tubes and I liked the KT-120 tubes best. The sound of my amp totally influences the entire sound of the Triton 2 speakers, even though the woofers are powered.
Yes, this is a lot of use for my secondary system as my computer is in the same room and I work in my office where the system resides. My main system gets little use, perhaps 2 times a month and only for a few hours.
Not interested in any of the Rogue hybrid amps, not a fan of class D and wouldn't even consider it. For me it's class a/ab all the way.
I will be trying a loaner in my system but I wanted opinions if I am sacrificing too much for the sake of the cost of the tubes.