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Advice from tube "lovers"...

...this is kind of continuation from my earlier post SS/ESL vs Tube/dynamic...i expected more of the "input"...but what i "gather" from few responses is definitely: TUBE! But which design and with what kind of tube you have had, best results? SE with KT88, El36, 300B or...? Or PP with KT88, EL36...etc! I know question does cover a lot, but ANY suggestion will be greatly appreciated!
inquisitor6078
proaudiow's avatar
proaudiow
9 posts
 
Jolida 502 with kt 66 or kt90s
john_l
782 posts
 
You will get different sonic characteristics depending on the amplifier and the type of tubes you are running. KT88/99 (Sonic Frontiers SFS-80/SFM) type tubes have a warm, but less detailed sound. Amp designs using 6550 (Audio Research vt100) are more detailed, but less warm. Single Ended amps (I've never heard one) are supposed to have a tremendous imaging capability. I've heard some tube amps (new sonic frontiers power 2) that don't have enough tube warmth for my tastes.
jowillia
6 posts
 
I think it is important to think about the speakers you want to use in deciding upon an amp - perhaps a dealer can configure a complete system. My experience with 300B SE amps is that they image well but lack power to handle some dynamics such as the cannon bursts on the 1812 Overture when use with speakers rated at 90db. I have had better luck with amps in the 35-70 amp range utilizing KT88's or KT90's. I would also suggest that you get an amp that has the option for triode or ultra-linear mode such as the Rogue Model 88 amp.
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