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.
Expensive Tube Amplifiers
I see many $4K to over $8K amps on eBay. Who would pay this a of money. A few years ago these amps were 25% of the current cost. I can buy a 'right' vintage amp and rebuild it and likely get same quality sound at these expensive amps for about $500 including parts. The 'right' amp is with quality and larger audio transformers.
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@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.
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I recently visited Deja Vu Audio and was able to listen to 3 amps in a similar price range, Audio Note Oro, Soro SE and Western Electric 124. I was amazed at how good the WE sounded. I brought a second pair of ears with me and we discussed we would not converse during the 1st listening session. Both of us without hesitation liked the WE better. I know it’s subjective and there are flaws with the WE, a little bit of hum when right on top of the amp, but the sound is worth the negative aspects. So, I’m the newest owner! |
What’s strange is I had an 8 watt 300b that I ended up selling because of the lack of oomph for my liking. The WE 124 sounds like it has way more drive and power. I was looking to go to First Watt or Pass Labs but then heard the WE with very similar horn speakers and was impressed. Pre amp volume at 60% and WE set at 25% has my ears maxed out. I had to push the 300b to 90% and felt it started to tire and get loose. Perhaps it’s just synergy. Either way, happier now. |
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