Adding a tube amp is a good idea?


Dear all, 

Hope your 2025 is off to a good start! I am thinking about adding a tube amp. Particularly Audio Research ref S80. Nicely used unit can be had for a reasonable price so I am considering it. You can see my virtual system for a full list but my system consists of LTA preamp, Pass Labs X250.8 amp and JA Perspective2 speakers. Totally happy and satisfied with the sound I get from the system, but just want to have another amp for a different flavour. Do you guys think ref 80s sounds different enough, for better or worse? Let me know what you think. Thanks 

 

panerai557

Showing 2 responses by jhills

Something else I might mention - even though the volume knob did not have to be cranked much (less than a quarter) to get plenty of volume for moderate listening, the demand was still there, taking its tole on the tubes.

Jim

I concur with goose and some others, that driving low impedance, power demanding speakers with a tub power amp, no mater how good they may sound,  can be a never ending and expensive battle of replacing blown tubes, fuses and resistors.

For a couple of years I drove my 87db. 4-ohm Maggies with a 100W tube amp with KT-120 tubes. The sound of the Maggies with the the tubes was incredible. But, even though I listened at low to moderate levels, two times I had tubes blow. Not only did I have to replace tubes, but also resistors and fuses, turning into an expense and headache.

From now on, I'll stick with a tube Pre. combined with a high current power amp, or a hybrid integrated amp, to drive my Maggies, as I have no intention of giving up the Maggies.

It appears that your speakers might be a little power demanding, so is something to consider.

Jim