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Watts are watts?

So it's been said that tube watts aren't the same as SS watts. This always struck me as nonsense, but I'm open to hearing what others think. In particular, I've been wanting to delve into tubes...whether in the form of a tube preamp or a tube or hybrid integrated. So....I'm sure that 90 watts would easily drive my Goldenear Tritons 1s. But how about if I decided to return to Maggies? I would normally never even consider that little power for Maggies...hence the question. Are tube watts really "stronger" than SS watts?
secretguy
celander's avatar
celander
1,502 posts
 
Back in the mid-70’s, I considered both Maggie’s and DQ-10’s. Both present inefficient loads for amps. Ended up getting the DQ-10’s, based largely on sonic preference. (I might not have auditioned the Maggie’s in the best room—possibly being too close to a rear wall.) I used a Dynaco ST-150 (75WPC transistor amp) and then GAS SOA (80WPC solid state unit) for the DQ-10’s. Neither one likely had sufficient power to make the DQ-10’s sing.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
You might consider a New York Audio Labs (NYAL) 300. Hybrid amp (4 tube front end, MOSFET output stage) of 150 WPC. Designed by George Kaye. I have the smaller version (NYAL 150) - 75 WPC. Excellent sounding amps, combing the virtues of both tube and SS circuits! And the tube front end allows for tube rolling to alter the sonic characteristics!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@celander: I still have a pair of DQ10's and a Son of Ampzilla (actually 2 of them!). I consider that a good combination. But you may just like to listen at higher SPL's than me, in a larger room!
secretguy OP
1,574 posts
 
Interesting stuff. Thanks for all the knowledge. I guess I should concentrate on getting something that works well with the Tritons that I have now, and worry about dealing with Maggies later , IF I do go back to them. (Actually, my Anthem integrated kills with Maggies. I just keep wondering what tubes would do for the Tritons).


celander's avatar
celander
1,502 posts
 
@roberjerman yes, they were set up in a big room. How are your woofer surrounds? I got another set of DQ-10’s off eBay a few years back. The woofers were the first things to go. The legacy company was (is?) still in business, so I was able to get new woofers. 
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