I would agree with Roxy. Your speaker may be rated at 97db (I have read knowledgeable reviewers draw attention to the fact that manufacturers do sometimes exaggerate these numbers). The important question is what does the impedance look like? If you have 90db or above speaker with the right drivers, that is rated 8ohms or above, and keeps there mostly, perhaps only dipping close to 4ohm in a narrow frequency range, you maybe could get away with low power 300b or 2A3 poweramp for the right music. If you listen to a lot of heavy rock or techno type music (and i do because every genre has great music), you will experience low-powered amp reaching its limits quite regularly. A se triode 15 watt such as Art Audio Gill Signature will fair much better - quite surprisingly so. In the zone though, those 2A3 amps are mighty sweet and highly addictive, especially with vinyl.
I'm thinking about a low watt tube amplifier?
I was looking at a small Class A Tube Amp, Finale Audio's F6 Hommage tube amplifier. It runs at 4 watts per channel, which dosn't seem like much but was curious after talking with a friend how amazingly happy he was with the sound of small, low wattage tube amps. My only concern are my Wilson Benesch speakers, which are only 97 db sensitive. I do have a pair or REL's to handle the low end. I am currently trying out a 20 watt triode Cayin Amp. (CS-55) which has proven to be more than capable of driving my speakers at low to medium volume with alot of room left. I also have a Luxman Mq-3600 triode tube amp which runs at 30 watts, no problem driving the speakers to extreme volume levels. I was thinking of talking with the stereo shop and seeing what his thoughts were, and if he is open to letting me try it out at home? My listening is low-medium volume, condo-living so big volume is restricted to headphones only, classic rock, folk, jazz-but these days the volume is low, even with the headphones, to keep my hearing in tact. I am sensitive to sharp highs and avoid these at all costs.
Anyone have any experience with these tube amps and what are your thoughts, generally, would it be worth the bother.
I don't have any plans on new speakers, but you never know! I have owned horn speakers, and I am not a fan, hearing sensitivity. I am also limited for space so small floor standing speakers or bookshelf considered (down the road).
What small watt tube amp would you recommend? The Pass Labs small amp sounds very good but out of my budget. Budget is $3,000.00 Max. What speakers are you using with your low watt tube amp.?, and what speaker sensitivity are they?