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In search of low powered tube amp that isn’t overly hot

Hello all- 

I am interested in recommendations for a low powered tube amp that is excellent sounding that won't make my room overly hot.  Speakers are high efficiency so I can get by with 10 and maybe even less than 5 watts.  I was thinking Decware Zen but the wait time is now 3 years!  I'm aware of Linear Tube Audio.  Other thoughts?

Would be great to spend less than 5k (but Linear Tube Audio is more so may go that way if needed.)

Amp will sit inside a cabinet WITH OPEN BACK AND FRONT.  (But top and sides are enclosed).

I'm also wondering about low powered solid state with tube like sound.  I was looking for a used Vinnie Rossi LIO but didn't find one.  Would consider Sugden too.  Other ideas?

Thank you!

mcanaday
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,919 posts
 

You might also look at Hybrid amps,  where the front end is tube and the output uses MOSFET’s.  
 

Just a thought.

mcanaday OP
178 posts
 

great idea, Jim.  Rogue Sphinx and LIO come to mind.  What else is out there in this category?

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
941 posts
 

Dennis Had makes a variety of amps from the Inspire that’s very versatile to 300b amps. My inspire has 4 tubes total and I run it in a similar type cabinet with a Rogue RP-1 pre. You might also take a look at the little Quicksilver integrated amp. Happy Hunting , Mike B. 

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marco1's avatar
marco1
703 posts
 

I’d be looking for something single ended (two power tubes and one or two drivers) that uses EL34, 6l6, 6550 tubes, etc.  Typically they do not put out a lot of power, but then you don’t need too much power.  I use one in a small room during summer months along with Class D amps instead of my OTL amp.  Even with a tube pre and tube DAC the room remains very comfortable. 

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