2. amps-preamps
  3. 159891-2029

Never Owned a Tube Amp and Want Advice

Hi All, 

I have never owned a tube amplifier before and am planning to purchase one with a minimum of 50 watts per channel to mate with 8 ohm 88 dbl speakers.

My hope is experienced audiogoners will share their expertise regarding how to approach this. While I realize listening is the best way to learn about sound and compatibility; I want to learn a better understanding about brands with less maintenance and longer tube life, how to decide between mono or stereo,can a newbie play with bias or is auto biasing a better first choice, etc.

I would also appreciate what to look for in selecting a used tube amp to identify one that might be in need of repair. For example, with solid state depending on the brand, capacitor replacement can be more of a concern. Any advice on what to look out for or ask about with used tube amps would be appreciated.

A big question I have is how to understand the relationship between power tubes like E34's, 120.s, etc. and, I guess the driver? tubes like 12au7's and 12at7's. That  is to ask which is more critical to the overall sound of the amp? FWIW, I routinely tube roll with my preamps.  

I 've read through a number of threads but maybe someone can point me to good ones I may have missed. 

Thanks for listening,

Dsper
dsper
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
Here we go again with the statement that tube watts are greater than S.S. watts. This statement is patently false and should call into question anything this member says in the future.

Are you sure you want to go there? "This member" didn't state that tube watts are greater than SS. He provided a very good, comprehensive explanation. "This member" should know, he's been designing high-end tube amps for at least 30 years.



minorl
1,014 posts
 
Yes, Ralph was talking about clipping characteristics of solid state vs tube amps.

If you aren't driving the amps into clipping, then the clipping issue really isn't one.

It appears that a well designed and built tube amp in the 50-60 wpc range will work quite well with the speakers of choice mentioned.  It is always good to try the amp in you home system to make a final determination.  

But, there are some quite nice tube amps out there in the 50-60 wpc range.

enjoy
audition__audio
1,304 posts
 
I rarely if ever disagree with Ralph and find his amps among the best I have ever heard. It was millercarbon that made the statement which I questioned. BTW this isnt the first time miller has made this statement about tubed vs S.S. watts.
decooney
1,896 posts
 

@dsper 
As you likely know very well, a McCormack DNA-500 is no slouch, quality build, big transformer, 500 watts, a capable amp - originally $7k retail as I recall.

+1 on 8ohm speaker impedance comments shared above in your favor.  

If I were in your shoes, having come from similar SS amps over multiple decades, and gone through multiple stereo tube amps, I'd recommend demoing at least equivalent cost or higher quality level tube amps compared to your DNA-500.  Otherwise you might end up disappointed and not really gain a proper perspective of the potential difference.  

Perhaps some nice mono tube amps with quality made [beefy sized] transformers that don't break a sweat [nor run hot] might grab your attention, and for your low level listening requirements.  

Many folks here can suggest a few good ones for consideration! :) 




 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
@audition__audio 
I'm so sorry to snap at you as I did, your comments are completely justified. I too have reacted to the ridiculous and incorrect statements put forth by that member.
And Ralph's contribution to this forum have been invaluable, so much so, I own one of his masterpieces.

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