Expensive Tube Amplifiers

Hey tutunez,

your speakers are not really ideal for a tube-based amp more so for a Class A type design. Unless you spring for a 845 based Tube amp, you will not be able to realize the speaker's full potential. have you considered replacing your speakers?

I have heard a 300B SET amp driving Reference 3A de Cappo speakers and they sound wonderful

Joey, You wrote, ,,,"your speakers are not really ideal for a tube-based amp more so for a Class A type design." What did you have in mind? PP tube amps can run in Class A at least at low power output, and SETs are pure Class A by definition.  But if you are thinking tutunez needs an amplifier with a low output impedance to drive his low impedance, low efficiency speakers, then yes, I agree. A tube SET amp does not seem to be the best choice.

@tutonunez @lewm 

I assume joey meant single-ended class A.

Tuonunez, I would agree that 88dB/4 ohms is not a good match for single-ended, unless it's an 845.  But that's a lot of heat, weight and expense.  $4K is a healthy budget for a quality push-pull tube amp.  40-60 watts would work fine.  Look at Black Ice, Rogue, Prima Luna or Quicksilver.  Personally I would not buy a Chinese amp, and not for political reasons.  You just don't get much support.  OTOH, if you're at the "end of the world" your choices may be limited to Asian distributors or maybe some EU companies, I couldn't say.

I've long been curious about low power (<50W) pure Class A solid state amplifiers, of which there are not many genuine examples. Classe' made one.  I think some of the First Watt amplifiers by Nelson Pass are also in that category. For driving speakers like those described by tutonunez.

@joeycastillo your comment backs up exactly what I was saying previously in this thread. 

Replacing speakers is certainly a consideration but when you have your heart set on great speakers and have heard their potential it is hard to go backwards in sonics.

Replacing components can be the start of a deep rabbit hole which can be stressful. Unfortunately prices of newer high fidelity audio equipment has rendered them unattainable for many audiophiles; which is why vintage hifi gear continues to be very popular. Vintage gear such as the afore mentioned Heath kit, Harman Kardon and others like Dynaco can sound really good and won't break the bank. Are they the best match for newer designed low impedance inefficient speakers? They can work but will probably not be able to achieve the speaker's potential. The only way to know is to hear different set ups in your room. I was fortunate to have access to four other power amplifiers (mostly vintage) and purchased three new ones before getting my rig dialed in.