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Any Ohm Walsh owners using tube amp?

Happy owner of upgraded Walsh 2-100S3s. Sound good in my living room with less than ideal listening setup running off upgraded McIntosh MC250. However, after borrowing a friend's tube preamp I have realized I can get more out of them. I am thinking in terms of a tube integrated to get a full tube experience vs just a preamp.  Had heard a Conrad Johnson 45S2 unit a few years ago in Memphis that was wonderful to my ears but only 45 wrms. Curious if any fellow Walsh owner are or have run tubes and your experience. Looking at more modern units like Rogue CM, Raven, CJ, BAT. Open to suggestions too?
joekapahulu

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,879 posts
 
You could try adding a powered sub using something like a mini DSP to take things to the next level. That would open up many options for the main amps if still needed.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,879 posts
 
You certainly can use a tube amp. Those I am aware of that have seem to then lean towards adding a sub. They are not explicitly designed for tube amps but not to say it might not work well in some cases.

I have the the exact same model. Personally I and others have found Class D amps to be the best match to get the most out of the Walsh speakers. A tube preamp is a very good option if you have a Class D amp that matches well to higher output impedance of most tube preamps.

i have used zero feedback SS amps with mine and did not care for it. Sound was warmer but muddy and not well defined especially in the bass. Muddy bass tends to also obscure midrange detail. Dynamics were also compressed. Have never tried a tube amp personally. Couldn’t be happier with Class D for those Ohms.

try 4 or 6 ohm output taps on that amp rather than 8 if available. Does that make a difference?
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