going to tubes, just one question..


I'm re thinking my entire roadmap for upgrading..I plan to leave my SS amp/pre amp behind for tubes. I've caught the vinyl bug and I think tubes will only enhance my experience.
I can't get my head around one thing. What rule of thumb should I be using when matching power/current to speaker loads, i.e. power hungry speakers driven by 8 watts...? Can someone tell how this is possible? My fear is shortchanging myself on power and current....
Budget for both amp and preamp, say 3k
gelmhirst

Showing 1 response by kehut

Great move. I think you have basically 2 choices in your set up depending on your musical tastes.If you value the immediate and intimate sound of smooth club type jazz, vocal presence, chamber or light orchestral works, you may want to pair a SET amp or low powered Triode type amp with anywhere from a few watts on up. Triode amps in the 15-25 W range are nice here and are usually less expensive generally than the low powered SET amps both in purchase cost and re-tube costs. The key will be a highly effecient speaker of which sensitivity should be at least 91 db at 8 ohms.
The other approach would be to play it safe and opt for a high power tube amp sufficient to drive both effecient and low impedence load speakers to satisfactory levels. You have many more options here of course both with amps, speakers, and musical preferences. The big down side here can be cost, but you still have a plethera of good amps of excellent quality to choose from. Too many to name, but 100-150W ch. with tubes can be very nice with all but the most ineffecient, low impedence speakers. Best!-Ken:)