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Tube amplifier suggestion for 101 dB speakers

Hello All,

I've been using the Tyler Acoustics PD30s with Classé Sigma solid state preamp and amp combination.
These speakers have two 15" woofers and a horn tweeter, 4 ohm, sensitivity 101 dB.
The above combination is not the best, especially for complex rock music, the highs start to distort, they are harsh, just bad. Never had tube gears, but after reading a bit, these speakers apparently scream for tubes. Actually somebody brought over a hobbyist-made tube amp and yes, the speakers were tamed.
I'm willing to switch to a tube amp but prefer to keep the ss preamp.
Can anybody recommend a few good tube amp matches here, for a max of 3K new or used. Room is just a good medium size. I want something that I can keep for many years if possible and being somehow flexible to tube rolling.

Thanks.
128x128piramis
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9cag6-rogue-audio-st-100-tube

The  used ST-100 could be best starting point for you.

If you change stock 12AX7 to Telefuken( around 200$ per pair) and 12Au7 to Amperex NOS (around 120$ per pair), it sound very nice.

Tungsol KT 120 is good and not much choice for tube rolling.

It is not that difficult to adjust bias manually.

Once you do it, it keeps the value for several months or more.
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
879 posts
 
Yes, Primaluna HP has lots of video, demo, etc on the internet.
What I notice as a dilettante is that it uses 8 x EL34 and 6 x 12AU7 tubes from factory. Why is the high quantity of tubes, 14 compared to 4 + 4 in the Rogue ST-100, the latter being even more powerful with the same KT120s.

Not sure why all the tubes (4 amp tubes per channel)...I do know that’s its integrated (so no pre amp needed) built incredibly well (point to point wiring, etc.) and has a very good headphone output included. If I recall the way its built makes it not work as hard extending life of components.. It has a sub out too.

It is also a class A amp/pre amp and the mojo is tops. Output power isn’t the be all and end all...I think the more knowledgeable hifi gurus factor in bandwidth too. You can run KT120s or KT150s in the PL.

Putting on my dilettante’s extra large hat I think its as good or better than some top mono block systems I have heard. Yes it’s subjective but I’m not the only one thrilled with it. For the money nothing comes close. Oh course money and hifi upgraders are the preverbal rabbit hole. I have upgraded from Revel speakers but will stay with this integrated amp.

You may also find that a power conditioner and some good heavy cords will help your speakers too. See the rabbit yet?


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jimclarkstereo
38 posts
 
Bob Carver Crimson 275. 

Satisfaction guaranty. No re-stocking fee if you don't love it!  Jim Clark Stereo. Free shipping to you.
 Endless system combinations, room effects and personal taste make decisions difficult.

JCS made this offer since the Crimson 275 was introduced, and lets customers compare with their exiting amplifier. No restocking fee to cost you money. May the best amp win, in your system, in your home.

Sold them as far away as Israel and Switzerland.

Customers keep them..



atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
Yes I'd like to keep the Classé Sigma pre because it has all the features I need in a preamp. But presently having no experience with tubes, I do not know which mix [tube pre + ss amp] or [ss preamp + tube amp] has more effect on driving my speakers or generally.
If you get a tube amplifier and you find that what everyone has been saying about them (smoother, greater detail) is true, then you will want tubes in the preamp too. You get the same benefit.
johnss
564 posts
 
I would buy one of Dennis Had's single ended amp either new or used. Well under your price point and they do sound really good. Much better than any SS amp I have heard.


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