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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
xmbw4
36 posts
 

If you are willing to consider an amp like Sugden, you might as well consider a Pass Aleph 3 or 5. Sugden amps tend to get really hot. I know Musical Fidelity came out with a similar type of amp as the Pass and Sugden. I don't remember the model, but I know its not too expensive and I've heard a lot of good things about it.

trivema's avatar
trivema
177 posts
 

Take a look at Dennis Had’s Inspire amps. low power, yes…6 to 12 watts depending on the model, great sounding, hell yes! Hot, not so much. I have a KT-88 that outputs 8-10 watts depending on tube compliment and it sounds better, more layered, textured soundstage and sweet mid bass, mid range and extended highs with Klipsch Heresy II’s @90+ db sensitivity.  Runs cooler than my Cary 300SEI, also designed by Dennis Had, and sounds amazing. He builds them by hand in a small workshop in Cary, NC. KT-88s, 300b’s, 45’s and other output tubes. 

mcanaday OP
178 posts
 

so much good advice.  thank you all.  (love the picture with reel to reel in the office!)

 

On Dennis Had, where do I find those amps?  I not finding a webpage for him.  Is there a distributor?  Thanks!

larryi
4,570 posts
 

Audio Note Soro and Oto amps don’t put out that much heat, but, they do cost a bit more $5k.  With tube gear, decent sounding stuff will cost more than $5k unless you buy used gear.  If can find a good used equipment dealer, that is the way to go for tube gear.

I like the sound of low-powered tube amps, more than I like high-powered tube amps and solid state.  I don’t think any solid state amp sounds quite like a good tube amps, but some are quite good.  But, some of the ones I like, like those from First Watt, run quite hot and you would also get looking at used items.  I also like the Sugden suggestion and I would add Lavardin.

I know it is a matter of taste, but, I personally did not like the three Decware amps I heard.  The sound was too whimpy to me; they lacked the liveliness that I prize in good tube amps.

glenmschneider
99 posts
 

I use a Triode Lab 45. It is wonderful and gets only barely warm. Definitely look at TL options.

 

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