I am TORN between Tube power amp and SS power amp.


I planned on running my Hagerman Clarinet with either my Hafler DH-500 (looking at "Ultimate" Audiophile Upgrade sold on Ebay at $975.00 - complete upgrade from power caps, driver boards to Exicon MOSFETs, which has "rave reviews") or building DIY VTA ST-120 which will cost a bit more. Does anyone had an experience on both of these amps? I know comparing tube and SS is like comparing apples and oranges, but hoping your feedback may help me decide. Cheers!
rodulfo23

Showing 2 responses by wolf_garcia

My 12 WPC Had Inspire with 99db (allegedly) Heresy IIIs is the real deal. Everyone should own this sort of thing at some point, but Had only makes one every couple of weeks so maybe it's not possible. I run this amp a lot...background music while working, frontground music when seriously actively listening, and as a backup toaster, although the crumbs from the toast are problematic at times.
My 91db speakers sounded fabulous and played plenty loud and clear with a Dennis Had 12 watt (or maybe 17 watts...not sure) per side amp, but I switched to 99db Klipsch Heresy IIIs mostly to keep Almarg happy, as I deign to avoid his ire.