I would consider Linear Tube Audio LTA products. I have owned both Quicksilver and LTA to drive Zu Audio and loved them both. Quicksilver a little more typical tube sound while LTA loses the syrup and exchanges it with clarity, inner detail but keeps the smooth and fatigue free presentation.
Compact ~20WPC Tube Amp
I should say 20WPC or more....
I’ve been trying to use a 8WPC 300B SET (Sun Audio) with some vintage bass reflex studio monitors from the 70s (96dB) and it’s clear that I need a bit more power. Everything sounds really awesome but the highs will distort at anything beyond low-medium volume which has been fine but I want to play a little louder sometimes!
Space is limited so I need a stereo amp or maybe small monos are possible.
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- 57 posts total
Check out the Unison Research Triode 25. It is an EL34 based Push Pull that is 25w. It’s a nice amp and should address most of your issues. At $4500 retail it is on target in terms of pricing. It delivers the quality that you want. They have good support in the US as the distributor is strong. PrimaLuna, Decware, and Line Magnetic would all be viable alternatives in your price range. You could also look around to see if you could find a used, Art Audio Carissa. Hell of an amp. Full disclosure...I am a Unison dealer.
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@charles1dad The 6SN7 has no worries driving a single DHT! That's not the problem- the coupling cap and the timing constants around it is. We ran into the same problem in our OTLs, but solved it by direct-coupling. We have a single 6SN7 thus driving 8 power triode grids with no distortion problems even when drawing substantial grid current. But to do this properly, you need a negative power supply and most SET designers aren't interested in the additional cost. |
- 57 posts total