2A3 Set power amp

I agree that you're not giving us enough information to make a complete determination. I don't agree that you need 97-100db efficient speakers.

A friend of mine is currently using my 8 WPC 300B amps on 90 db efficient 6 Ohm Green Mountain Audio speakers. He thinks it is excellent so there is hope. Obviously that experiment is based on a different amp and tube. I use them on 92 db efficient speakers that are 14 ohms.

However 88 db for a 10 wpc push pull 2A3 seems like a gamble.

I am with Paul!

Mmike84, have you tried your 300B amp on a 100 dBor greater sensitivity speakers? If so, which one?

IMO, there's a big difference in the ease of presentation and dynamics between a 96 dB speakers and below to that of 97dB or greater sensitivity that does not have a benign impedance load using the same 8W 300B amp. Again, IMO, as you go higher (over 97dB) speakers, then noise and hum becomes a factor and you have to address it wether it is coming from the amp, preamp, cabling, crossover,etc. And once you solved this problem, you will hear what many people love in terms of transparency and dynamics that a low power amp/high sensitivity speakers can provide which are truly breathtaking!

To me, there is no way a 92dB speakers can reach that sound! Why bother, do the right thing first and think a little bit here rather than having "upgrades" as the solution later on. It is not a myth, its been proven time and time again by many, if you want to explore low power amps(less distortion) like SET using DHT's, you will have the highest probability of success to enjoy the experience when you have efficient loads(drivers) for the amp to drive. That's it! Forget about post like "my 89db speakers works well with my 2W SET...etc.", most likely, it is not the truth.

me,

04-22-10: Amandarae
I am with Paul!

Mmike84, have you tried your 300B amp on a 100 dBor greater sensitivity speakers? If so, which one?

Amandarae-

No I have not. Not yet anyway. The 300b Amp and the speakers were made by the same company though so you'd think they would pair well and they seem to. I'm still scouting for a 96-100db speaker currently.

Anyway I have purchased this amp made by Chris Barnett, with 2- 2a3 Sovtek, 2- 6F5GT National electronics and 1-jj rectifier tube. With my 88db B&W speakers I am astonished! This F-in thing sounds like a locomotive on the right track. Holy cow, so much for all the theories in this thread, most were dead wrong!

It will probably drive your speakers fairly well at low SPL.

However, once you push the speakers with challenging source material and/or raise the SPL, the amp will unravel like a cheap suit.

That's fact, not theory.