There are tube amps that do a great job with extremely difficult speaker loads (SoundLab electrostatics) such as Wolcott. Unfortunately these amps are not well known due to a lack of advertising. Furthermore, Wolcott amps are extremely easy to maintain, due to auto biasing. Henry Wolcott's patents have prevented other manufacturers from copying his circuits. I have a pair which are going on 8,000 hours with only two tube failures. In each case, a LED indicated which tube needed replacement. Simply a matter of inserting a new one. These amps do a superb job from bass to treble. I also own Halo JC-1's which do a great job, but I prefer tubes!
Impressed with Tubes
For the first time, I auditioned a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100s run through a Rogue Perseus tube preamp & a Rotel RB1080 S/S power amp. Prior to that, I have never auditioned a tube preamp. Wow! What a difference! A richer, more integrated sound with the Rogue Perseus compared to S/S alternatives. Now that I am hooked on tubes, a few quick questions:
(1) Would there be a significant difference if I went with a tube power amp as well?
(2) Compared to the Rogue Perseus, has anyone had any experience with the Rogue Metis preamp?
(3) Other recommendations for tube preamps?
I am having a ball doing research for a new 2-channel system. And listening to a tubed component for the first time was a real treat!
Thank you for any help!
Kit
(1) Would there be a significant difference if I went with a tube power amp as well?
(2) Compared to the Rogue Perseus, has anyone had any experience with the Rogue Metis preamp?
(3) Other recommendations for tube preamps?
I am having a ball doing research for a new 2-channel system. And listening to a tubed component for the first time was a real treat!
Thank you for any help!
Kit