2. amps-preamps
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Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?

After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.

To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.

Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.

Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
massvm

Showing 1 response by douglikesaudio

douglikesaudio
118 posts
 
Speakers: Alon Lotus SE. Available with standard (8?) ohm or higher (16?) ohm woofer. With the high impedence, they are designed for low output tube amps. Have not heard them yet, but if even close to other Alon's, they should be contenders. I've heard the Circes and they stupefy! Even heard the Grand whatchamahoodles at CES--somthing like $120k--and although they can't run on 5 watts, their sound was similar to the Circes. Kinda electrostatic-like with heft. If the Lotus is similar, no sub will be necessary. I'd stay away from the 3 watters. I don't think the 2A3 will produce much low end umph. 845 or even 300B's will give more drive to the blues. Around $4k for the Lotus. Heck, if you got the coin, the Circe may run on 845 tubes. But at $12k for speakers, you could get a whole system instead!

Enjoy.
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