I researched this topic before posting, but my efforts were fruitless. However, I've done some additional research. A different forum had a similar post from 2013 and the consensus was that only old tube amps had 16 ohm taps. Looks like maybe the new Line Magnetic LM88iA has them. That's about all I've found. Didn't realize it would be so hard.
In search of respectable/reasonable tube amps with 16 ohm taps
Looking for suggestions of respectable quality tube amps that are priced within reason (under $5k as a power amp or integrated, or more if the quality is represented) with 16 ohm taps. Would prefer current models as used equipment presents it's own set of variables, but used is not out of the question. Would consider mono blocks and realize there is typically a little more expense associated with them. Before anyone says, "Have you considered . . .?" I probably haven't. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
This is my first post. I've read a fair bit here, but I don't know all of the ins and outs of asking a question without potential flames, so I thought I'd just learn on the fly. I have greatly enjoyed this forum.
This is my first post. I've read a fair bit here, but I don't know all of the ins and outs of asking a question without potential flames, so I thought I'd just learn on the fly. I have greatly enjoyed this forum.
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Not sure if these are still available but if they are, buy them. You will not regret it. I use them in two different rigs. http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649379679-eico-hf35-tube-monoblocks-stu-remington-modifications/ |
Buy a nicely restored pair of Dynaco Mk.III's and you will be very happy! A proven classic from the Golden Age of tubes. 50 watts + from a pair of 6550's/KT88's and superior quality OPT's! I have a pair of the rare Paoli-modded Mk.III's (TAS recommended top category) which cost me $1600 - and worth every penny! SQ as good as today's pricey tube gear! Even in stock form they are competitive with present day amps! |
The photo of the underside of the EICO HF-35 amps is interesting. The modifier has converted the amps to fixed bias rather than stock cathode bias, he is using a 12ax7 for the front end instead of the EF86, he improved the amp ground connections by using a buss bar instead of chassis connections, and he is using some very old Wonder Caps for the coupling capacitors. It’s curious that he replaced the captive AC cord with an IEC socket yet he did not connect the earth tab on the IEC to the chassis. While that will work fine electrically it means he isn’t taking advantage of the safety protection afforded by a 3-wire power cord. All in all, the amps probably sound pretty nice but those old Wonder Caps should definitely be replaced by better sounding caps. They were quite colored—-lean, bright and “plastic” sounding. If these were my amps, I would replace the Wonder Caps with some Copper V-Caps and then sit back and enjoy the music. |
The vintage Harman Kardon Citation II Tube Power amps have a 16 ohm tap. When restored, they are up there with the best MacIntosh tube amps. I have two and they are sweet. Excellent separation and highly defined soundstage. Expect to pay $1,500 - $2,000 used, and another $1500 - $2K to get them totally restored with new caps throughout and a complete rebuild of the power section. |
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I researched this topic before posting, but my efforts were fruitless. However, I’ve done some additional research. A different forum had a similar post from 2013 and the consensus was that only old tube amps had 16 ohm taps. Looks like maybe the new Line Magnetic LM88iA has them. That’s about all I’ve found. Didn’t realize it would be so hard.For starters, just about any amplifier with Magnequest output transformers can be strapped for 4, 9 or 16 ohms. That’s what’s in our NiWatt amps. Amplifiers with Intact Audio (Dave Slagle), Tamura and Hashimoto output transformers can typically be strapped for 16 ohms. I’d invert my search - starting by looking for amps you like, and then contact the manufacturer. They may have neglected to publish the output transformer wiring options. Cheers, Thom @ Galibier Design |
Our amps have no output transformers and love 16 ohms. No tap needed, just hook up and play. The advantage of 16 ohms is that with all amplifiers, tube, solid state or class D, distortion is lower (the exception being if you have a tube amp that lacks a 16 ohm tap- then the output transformer can ring since it would be improperly loaded and so can introduce more distortion). Lower distortion means more neutral sound and that often means smoother and more detailed bringing you closer to the music. There are two other advantages. If the amp is equipped with an output transformer, it will operate more efficiently and so the amp will make slightly more power and might even have an octave more bandwidth on the bottom. Also, speaker cables are a lot less critical and can be run longer distances without reducing bass impact or resolution. If a given speaker that is 4 or 8 ohms were magically made to be 16 ohms while otherwise having the same specs and the like, it would instantly sound smoother and more detailed, not because it changed, but because the amplifiers driving it would change. Its a pretty big deal and is instantly audible. If you are spending money on an amplifier and everyone does in this hobby, that amplifier dollar investment is best served by a speaker of higher impedance **if sound quality is your goal**. If **sound pressure** is your goal, there is a slight argument for lower impedances. Put another way there isn't a good argument for making any amplifier work hard. That simply means that the amp is going to make more distortion which is both measurable and audible. I know that there are a lot of 4 ohm speakers that sound pretty good but every single one of them would sound even better if only their impedance were higher. |