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how would an entry-level tube system compare?

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on the following situation as I move into the tube world for the first time.

My current non-audiophile, lo-fi system: an old Sony 100W receiver and JBL S36 monitor speakers. 75% of the music I listen to is driving and bass-heavy (techno, house, electronica, hip-hop, rock). On this system, the sound is OK, but I can crank it (I mean _really_ crank it), which I like to do, and the bass is there, which I need.

I'm now planning a move into the hi-fi world. Although my musical tastes would suggest solid-state and big watts, I'm very curious about tubes. For budget and space reasons, I'm looking at integrated tube amps in the <$1500 range (from Cary, Onix, Cayin, Rogue, Eastern Electric, Shanling, VTL, PrimaLuna, and others).

I'm sure any of these tubes systems will take the quality of sound of my music to a new level. My concern is whether they'll be able to match the power, drive, and volume, of my current lo-fi system. Can a <50W tube system shake the house?

As for speakers, I'm still evaluating, but had not necessarily committed to high sensitivity ones. Should that be a requirement?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.
defiantscientist

Showing 3 responses by bignerd100

bignerd100
515 posts
 
Efficency is going to ba a concern for low powered tube amps, high SPL's, and lotsa-bass.

For techno I would suggest Klipsch Heressy's if space is a concern or LaScallas if it is not. The Heressys are usually available for around $400. Just be sure to get the originals and not the II's or III's.

Good luck!
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Just a guess but I think he wants tubes regardless. Tubes look cool and are a conversation peice (that can sound quite good when done right). With techno all he will need is durrable, efficent speakers that will work well enough with low powered, reasonably priced tube amps.

Jolida also has affordable tube integrated amps. THey also look cool.

Good luck!
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Just a couple of suggestions:
1)Listen to a mid-priced horn system to see if it is to your liking. This will give you the largest performance/dollar return.
Teh problem with horns is that you like them or you don't and they have to be very large to produce deep bass.
2)No mater the design of the speaker stay above 93-94db efficency. Even 84db efficent speakers can sound wonderful with low powered tube amps for everyday listening but it is when brief peaks demand power that it will run out of juice and sound terrible.
3)Single driver, high efficency speakers can sound wonderful too. But for huge swings in dynamics they are likely to fall short.

If it is in your price range Tyler has come out with some beautiful horn-loaded speakers. Also check out Pi spekaers. You can buy them preassembled or as a kit. The guy who owns the company is very nice and accomodating. Old JBL or Klipsch should be high on your list too. Possibly Bag End PA speakers even.

Good luck!
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