|
|
Post by Axis on May 10, 2016 20:25:58 GMT -5
The only thing I have ever wanted tube is amplifiers with huge output. If the Stereo has 150 watts I will get it. I will not rule out the 300 watt mono blocks when it comes to tube amps. Solid State mono blocks can take a hike !  I've had a bunch of amps and my current one for two channel listening is my first tube one - a 60 wpc VTA ST-120 designed by Bob Latino. I have to say it has all the power I need. Granted I don't listen at ear bleeding levels but the sound from this amp is silky and effortless. No strain whatsoever. I was reading somewhere here just recent about how you can drive Solid State to near its max output with no distortion until it clips. The Tube amp starts distorting well before the max output and increases the more output demanded from it. Tube with efficient speakers your cool but ask that same 30 watt tube amp to drive a inefficient speaker with multiple large drivers and not the same results. 60 watts per channel is healthy for a tube amp in todays market. The prices on tube amps that have over that per channel are rather high. I think they charge to much for many. It is almost a principle for me to not pay huge amounts for gear no matter. If Dan would let me I would come out of retirement to help build Lonnie's big bad 300 watter's . I won't be using all that power, but boy it sure is nice to have it in a tube amp. Last tube amps I had was two McIntosh 275's and I remember wanting more output. I am going to stick to bigger is better on tube amps from memory. Also I think KeithL said the same in this thread. I think Chuck Elliot likes his tubes big too. Dream Large, Dream Large ! |
|
|
|
Post by novisnick on May 10, 2016 20:34:13 GMT -5
I've had a bunch of amps and my current one for two channel listening is my first tube one - a 60 wpc VTA ST-120 designed by Bob Latino. I have to say it has all the power I need. Granted I don't listen at ear bleeding levels but the sound from this amp is silky and effortless. No strain whatsoever. I was reading somewhere here just recent about how you can drive Solid State to near its max output with no distortion until it clips. The Tube amp starts distorting well before the max output and increases the more output demanded from it. Tube with efficient speakers your cool but ask that same 30 watt tube amp to drive a inefficient speaker with multiple large drivers and not the same results. 60 watts per channel is healthy for a tube amp in todays market. The prices on tube amps that have over that per channel are rather high. I think they charge to much for many. It is almost a principle for me to not pay huge amounts for gear no matter. If Dan would let me I would come out of retirement to help build Lonnie's big bad 300 watter's . I won't be using all that power, but boy it sure is nice to have it in a tube amp. Last tube amps I had was two McIntosh 275's and I remember wanting more output. I am going to stick to bigger is better on tube amps from memory. Also I think KeithL said the same in this thread. I think Chuck Elliot likes his tubes big too. Dream Large, Dream Large ! I sure can't voice an opinion about tube amps but what ive read they are different and need less to drive more. That said, I plan on finding a DAC , tube or not that sounds great to me and pair it with my tubed pre amp. Most likely roll somemtunes to get a little more of "That" sound,,,,,,,,but the Big Dog amps, not going anywhere. Some day I will give them a listen but I could NEVER run out of amp at this moment. Keepers! |
|
|
|
Post by novisnick on May 10, 2016 20:41:54 GMT -5
The only thing I have ever wanted tube is amplifiers with huge output. If the Stereo has 150 watts I will get it. I will not rule out the 300 watt mono blocks when it comes to tube amps. Solid State mono blocks can take a hike ! I've had a bunch of amps and my current one for two channel listening is my first tube one - a 60 wpc VTA ST-120 designed by Bob Latino. I have to say it has all the power I need. Granted I don't listen at ear bleeding levels but the sound from this amp is silky and effortless. No strain whatsoever. monkumonku, thats an amp I'd love to hear in my system. I've thought long and hard, still has me pondering,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,  How efficient are your speakers? And what is your source for the BL? |
|
|
|
Post by monkumonku on May 10, 2016 21:48:24 GMT -5
I've had a bunch of amps and my current one for two channel listening is my first tube one - a 60 wpc VTA ST-120 designed by Bob Latino. I have to say it has all the power I need. Granted I don't listen at ear bleeding levels but the sound from this amp is silky and effortless. No strain whatsoever. monkumonku, thats an amp I'd love to hear in my system. I've thought long and hard, still has me pondering,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, How efficient are your speakers? And what is your source for the BL? I have the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2's and absolutely love them. They are 87 db efficient and they don't seem that difficult to drive. Here's the product page: www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM2/srm2.htmlThe source for the amp is normally my Oppo HA-1 although I also use the Bifrost DAC plugged into the RCA analog 1 inputs on the XMC-1 when I want to listen in 2.1 instead of 2.0 via the HA-1. The ST-120 really is a wonderful amp and I've yet to read any negative comments about it. Only "negative" about it is the tubes get really hot but he says that is normal and there is nothing to be concerned about (as long as you don't rest your hand on them, I suppose). |
|
|
|
Post by snacker on May 10, 2016 23:48:54 GMT -5
50 watts tube A/B and 25 watts A sure do the trick for me no matter what I throw at them, not that I can hear the difference.
Maggies, Martin Logan....bring them on....
|
|
