Grannyring,
I believe you'd really like a high efficiency speaker with a low or moderate power(but high quality built) tube amplifier. You would appreciate the natural sound.
Regards, |
Agree with Phaelon, the speaker's load characteristics(impedance curve-fluctuations and phase angles) will determine if tube or transistor amplifier is the best option.
Along with Isochronism and Larryi I much prefer the lower power amp with high efficiency speakers route for the same reasons they cited.
Regards, |
I guess I ve been lucky, in the 20 years or so Tube amps have been wonderful and most satisfying.I haven`t experienced the problems Schubert and Marakanetz have.In their case solid state would be the way to go.With the DHT tube amps I use currently they last for years and years.We all have different experiences to share.
Regards, |
Winggo,
Csontos`s reply is a good example of why you have to listen and gain your own experience.His apparent outcome with tube amplifiers(based on what he posted) is the polar opposite of mine.We all can tell you anything from one end of the spectrum to the other.Nothing can replace personal listening to decide what you like best driving a given speaker. |
Jond,
NOS tubes is a vast arena with different tiers, some are excellent others not so, there're numerous variables to consider. Here's the big picture, you're very happy with your system's sound and that's truly the bottom line. There're people with chronic frustration, indecision, and confusion who aren't really enjoying their systems. Be glad you're not one of them. If you always look forward to hearing music with your system, you're doing fine.
Regards, |
Jond,
Your point was clear.Some NOS tubes are wonderful and justify the premium cost they demand. But you can certainly do very well without them depending on the tube type in question as you have demonstrated.
Regards, |
Jallen,
When I was using a push pull 6550 amp the Winged-C served me well.Your suggestions for the OP are on the mark. |
Al,
Our "average" listening levels are in the same range(I say mine is roughly mid 70s-low 80s db).Al does your amp allow NFB settings other than zero feedback to match different speakers? Although I`ve heard this amp numerous times I don`t know its feature/control options.
Regards, |
I understand that speed and other sonic parameters are subjective and individually just personal perceptions. I've found good tube power amplifiers to present a wonderful realistic sense of timimg, pace and musical flow.The presentation is very fluid with well preserved continuity. The two Spectral based systems I heard (if they're considered typical of a"fast" SS amplifier) were not even close as far as retaining the believable and natural musical flow and timing.The sound was mechanical and artificial in character But again, this is just my own observation.
Regards, |
Al,
Wow, you really listen at very high SPLs.A few days ago a friend and I visited a local jazz club and his phone has an application for SPL measurements. Average volume was roughly 87-92 with drum kit peaks 100-105 (we were very close to the stage) but it was loud (unamplified that night, thakfully).I'd fear for my hearing with those levels at home on a regular basis. Most of my jazz CDs have a range of 25-35 db, but my average listening level is likely noticeably less than yours. I'm very familiar with your VAC REN 70/70 amplifier and it is a classic in my opinion (so is the 30/30 version).There's just something unique and special musically with DHT output tubes, in both SET and push pull mode.
Regards, |
Al,
On relatively rare occasions when I crank up the volume it did remain controlled, clear and unstrained in character(95-103 peaks) but I just want to maintain good hearing as long as I can . I'm not getting any younger that's for sure, but my hearing is still quite good.
Charles, |
Hi Tubegroover,
Yes you certainly understand the point I was trying to express.Components that emphasize the attack, "lighting fast trsnsients" but fail to maitain note substain and decay sound artificial. This type of presentation is incomplete and therefore less convincing and falls short in realism.As you said that type of sound(speed?) causes fatigue and soon boredom follows.The sign of an exceptional component is one that preserves the timbre,pitch,tone and harmonic overtones that naturally exist in music.This would reflect correct timing and music`s instrinsic speed and flow.
Regards, |
Petepappp,
Audio and musical enjoyment is overwhelmingly subjective, people listen and either accept or reject.We just like what we like.This is why choices abound in all component catagories,something for everyone.
Regards, |
Distortion or not, high volume levels if overdone will damage your ears . Unfortunately many musicians(this includes classical un amplified genre also) suffer significant hearing loss over the years due to excessive SPL environments. Be careful and preserve your precious hearing sense.
Regards, |
