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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
mcanaday OP
178 posts
 

Super helpful, Larryi.  I have recently become aware of Charney Audio's Maestro speaker which also is best positioned in the corner (like Audio Notes) but are easier to drive.  101 db sensitivity, 8 ohm load.  Might work better with the 45 amp, given what you have observed.  Thanks for pointing this out.

maholl50
76 posts
 

I ordered a Decware amp on April 7, 2023. There are 239 orders ahead of me. Yeah it’s over 3 years. The Luxman is a nice little amp. The LTA Z40+ is on my wish list too.

larryi
4,571 posts
 

I have heard several Charney Audio speakers and I like them a lot.  I particularly like the Charney Companion with the AER driver option.  I heard both the Charney Companion/AER and the Charney Companion/Voxativ driven by single ended 300B amplifiers.  The Lumaca I heard had the AER driver, but I don't recall the amplifier.  In any case, these speakers are efficient enough that a single-ended 45 would work well with them.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
810 posts
 

Fezz audio produces a number of interesting integrateds in your price range.  For example, the Luna and Titania can both be had for under $5k.

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