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.
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!
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OP My exact requirement for my small office, tubes, not too hot. I bought a small Luxman, 10 wpc, Happily enough to drive my Vintage AR-2ax speakers (seen in second post below), only 90 db sensitivity. SQ-N150 (how do they come up with model numbers?) https://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=33 https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-sq-n150-integrated-amplifier 3 Line In; 1 MM Phono sounds terrific; 1 LOMC Phono (single fixed 100 ohm load, best for LOMC cartridges with a coil impedance around 10 ohms) Here’s mine, happily on top of a bookcase, remote volume, I doubt you would ever go beyond 12 o’clock position, I most often am at 10 o’clock like when I took this photo, but occasionally I go loud at 3 o’clock position This is the 1st time I have successfully had tubes in my small office, I could not be happier. Also the 1st time I had these tube types, they sound terrific. |
btw, If you want remote power, the Luxman needs help, it does not have remote power. It has remote volume and mute, and controls for some Luxman CD Players. BUT, it’s power button is a real spring loaded one, it stays on until you press it again. So, I use a Chase RLC-1Remote Line Controller simply for Remote System Power. No need to leave my chair, and that lets me position the R2R player most accessible, amp at the ’far end’. To get the speaker positioning and imaging, I left a ’less than convenient’ narrow aisle in front of my desk
You must have the remote, no controls on the unit. (they don’t break, people lose them). I use it’s other remote features in my Main and Garage/Shop systems, only remote power for my office. ///////////////////////////////////////// Of course there are many less costly devices for remote power, just the 1st one that popped up.
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