Considering A 20-40 Watt Stereo SET Amp
I just got over a 16 day illness (not Covid) where it was touch and go for a few days. I am thinking of rewarding myself with a 20-40 watt stereo SET amp. The speakers I will use are a pair of the new JBL L100 Classic speakers that I bought at the end of 2020. The speakers are rated at 4 ohms @90db sensitivity.
Presently, I am using a McIntosh integrated and I do not listen loud. The meters on the Mac usually sit between .20 and 2 watts at its loudest. I have not started looking yet but I do know I want something with 1 pair of outputs so I can use my SVS powered subwoofer with it. I would also need 3 high level inputs. I don’t want to break the bank as this would be a secondary amp to put into rotation as the mood strikes me.
I do not want a flea powered amp so it has to be 20-40 watts and under 4 grand new. Used would be even better. I am hoping I can be steered in the right direction so I can start my research. I do not want to have to buy other components to accommodate the amp. Source components are a McIntosh SACD player, McIntosh FM tuner and a Sony HAP-Z1ES music player. Nordost interconnects and Canare speaker cables, Shunyata power cords and a Furutech power conditioner round out the system. The amp must be stereo, no monoblocks please. 99% of my listening will be through my Mac FM tuner. The system is also on its own dedicated 20-amp circuit.
Check out Quicksilver Audio. I own 300B amps, and Quicksilver Audio amps also. Quicksilver amps are biased partially triode mode, and are the closest conventional tube amps I have heard that sound like SET. They have a new integrated amp, using 6BQ5/EL84 tubes. 6 inputs. $2495. I have owned several of their tube amps, and have always enjoyed their sound. Currently have the Mid Monos. Link here: |
+2 on the Quicksilver Audio! Mike |
I use ASL Ki22 Fox integrated amp. I compared it to other integrated or separate amps but the ASL is still with me after many years. 22W/channel, 6C33C power tubes, 6SN7s - both are still available as military spec or NOS for tube rolling. I recapped it a while ago. No problem. It requires frequent bias adjustments, but that's the price for simplicity. |
