Advice or Experience with Tube Amps: 485's or KT170's?
I am looking at purchasing a new tube amp to match a set of speakers with 95db efficiency. In this particular setup, I don't think 300b's will give the needed power across the spectrum. This has led to looking at 845 and KT170 tube amps. Both seem to be answers to retaining some of the positive sonic characteristics of the 300b but with the advantage of gaining higher wattage power. I don't know the strengths or weaknesses of each of these, when comparing sonic attributes. Can anyone offer advice on this? Here are some models I have found in searching online:
Mastersound Compact 845 Integrated
Audion Black Shadow 2 Mono Blocks 845
Viva Solistino 845 Integrated
Allnic T-2000 KT170 Integrated
Ayon Triton EVO KT170 Integrated
Thanks in advance for any advice or experience with any of these or with the two tubes in question.
Greg
I agree with @gregjacob that KT170 sounds rather different from 300B. I've heard a couple 300B amplifier (Takatsuki and AirTight). KT170s have more excitement and 'meat' in their sound. There are a couple more highly regarded KT170 options. Jadis I70 and Lab12 Integre4 MKII. I'm using the Lab12. IMO, it is identical in performance to the more expensive Jadis and far easier to live with. I've not heard the Allnic though it seems to be highly regarded.
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@gregjacob Most of the reviews online were for the original version with KT-150 tubes. I've actually tested the amp with both KT-150 and KT-170 tubes. With KT-150s it was a very good amplifier, with KT-170s it was a great amplifier and IMO good enough as an end-game amp regardless of price. With KT-170s there is more weight and smoother sound that overall is more pleasing to hear. Nonetheless, do audition and compare as many amps as possible. Different tubes have different sonic characteristics and I know there are those who prefer 300Bs to KT-170s. |
