Are mono tube amps my best choice?

Rodman99999 / Buconero177

Min just emailed me that he only has one amp to audition. It's his reference amp based on Western Electric Model 91A 300B circuit. It's a single ended stereo amp that puts out 9 watts per channel. He say's that he makes this in a mono version also. Any idea if there is enough power for me to even consider?

Entope,

I am going to be running just one pair of tube amps--if I buy them. Thank you for making a point about the heat generated by tubes.

Unsound,

I had heard that watts are less crucial with tubes. Do you have experience with tubes as compared to solid state? I would appreciate your input.

Thank you for your input.

I emailed Alan at Silverline, and am waiting for his response, which I will post as soon as he replies.

Thank you, Kevin

Rleff,

I had heard that mixing amps isn't a good idea. Maybe someone else might like to comment on this. My setup can handle two pairs of mono amps.

Paulfolbrecht,

You have given me something else to think about and research. After I hear back from Alan at Silverline, I'll consider my options.

Rodman99999,

Thanks for getting back to me. This sounds intriguing. I'll do more research on this. I'm still waiting for Alan at Silverline to email me back.

Paulfolbrecht,

I'll email Alan and ask him specifically about the SET.

I believe you did a favorable review of Min's amps. Did you sell them? If so, I was wondering why.

Rodman99999,

What do you use on the top end and bottom end? Please explain what you mean by "Done correctly...".

Audiofeil,

I've been to Alan's Silverline showroom. He uses solid state Pass amplifiers. But, I know Alan has also made custom tube amps to use with his Silverlines. Alan's lawyer was visiting when I was there a few years ago. He was bragging about the "sweet sounding" tube amps Alan made for his Grand La Folia Silverline Speakers.

I purchased some Cary SLM 100 mono amps locally from a very helpful Audiogoner--he answered my questions (and continues to answer) regarding tube amp set-up and maintenance). Bottom line, my Silverline Speakers love these amps. My wife and I can't believe how much more we hear compared to the B&Ks...They have all of the bass of the B&Ks...The instruments are well defined and have life...and those female vocals are something else. I know, you’ve probably heard this before, but there really is no comparison.

I have some tubes on order per the recommendations of Rodman99999 and Tvad. Rodman99999 also helped me in my Cary SLM 100 decision (thank you, thank you, thank you)—being an owner of the Cary 100s, he says that different tubes will take the Cary's to another level.

I do woodworking as a hobby (and for money on the side), and built some 7" high curly grained cherry stands (with two inch thick maple tops) specifically for these amps. With the chromed tube amps and the high gloss amp stands (with wood grain that looks like orange flames shooting upward), my wife loves the way they look in our living room (very important). Thanks to all of you that posted comments for your input. I believe I'm going to be keeping these for a long, long time.