2-ch tube + 3 ch solid amp? Is this folly?



I am a new visitor to this site. Very interesting reading. I currently have the following system:

Anthem Integrated One
Marantz CD (7 years old and very basic model)
Allison CD9s
Panasonic DVD/VHS player (progressive scan) (brand new)
Various basic+ interconnects
Basic+ monster speaker cables

(Very simple, I think.) I want to add a HT system. And plan to use the CD9s as main speakers. Also plan to use an Anthem AVM 20 or AVM 2 as pre/pro. Current system will migrate to office with TBD bookshelf speakers.

1. I wonder if anyone has considered/tried using a tube amp to drive the front main speakers and a three-channel amp to run the center and surround in an HT system. (I was thinking Anthem Power 1 or 2 (or even the amp stage of Anthem Integrated 1) and Anthem MCA 3 or MCA 30.) (Having used Anthem for 7 or so years I am a bit loyal.) A local dealer thought that I may hear a delay and that the two amps may not match well. Also, I have heard it said or read that tube amps may not be appropriate for HT. Thoughts?

2. Anyone try using three two-channel tube amps to run a HT system?

3. Should I just drop the nonsense (considerations 1 and 2 above) and just get a good 5-channel amp and retreat to my office to listen to tube music? (I read the thread on 2 channel audio.)

4. Anyone out there try to match up surround/center channel speakers with Allison CD9s? Any suggestions? (I have been thinking used Ohm Walsh 2s for rears.)

Many thanks, in advance, for your suggestions.

Yuri
yuri1957

Showing 1 response by albertporter

Five of the seven speakers in my HT system are tube driven. The exceptions are the twin sub woofers which are self powered.

I run three mono blocks and two stereo tube amps to achieve this. The sound is wonderful, only negative being double feature nights when the room can begin to heat up.