Low output gain amplifier for ZU 101db Efficient speakers

Hi , now I’m here . Thanks for the info on Cryo Tubes, I’ll be shopping there soon . I have the Rogue RP-1, Schiit Bifrost Uber Analog DAC, Musical Fidelity’s transport and a Dennis Had Inspire with a 9 pin driver tube . I also have Zu Omens . So we have quite a few similarities. Dennis Had just shipped back my amp after replacing the self bias components on the left channel that blew due to a bad GL KT-77 that was new . As I said on the other thread , I put fresh tubes in the Rogue and Dennis just went through the Inspire . I run Silnote power cords , Morrow MA5 interconnects and Anti-Cables level 3 speaker cables . Yesterday I turned the pre to max volume with the source on pause . It was dead quiet at 8”, no hum and no hiss . The hiss was really bad when I had the Rogue hooked up to a vintage Marantz SS amp. I could hear it from a distance like you can . The Inspire matches up very well with the Rogue and the Omens . My system is very modest compared to others, but I am very pleased with the sound quality . I have 6 or 7 sets of power Tubes , about 8 driver Tubes ( It takes a single E88 ) and 5 rectifier tubes . It’s been a total blast to play with . Also regarding the driver tube discussion , In regards to brightness , I find that certain Tubes in the pre or the driver in the Inspire make the treble image out front further then the lower 2/3’s of the sound . I also experience this when I run a higher voltage rectifier tube . Depending on the Rectifier / Power combo, it goes from about 7 to 12 WPC. Also I have a 10 year old pair of lower tier Zu speaker cables and I like the Anti-Cables more    ( I have level 1 & 3 ). Best to you and Happy Listening , Mike. 

Thanks for feedback. 

Almost 2-1/2 years later:

1. I ditched the Rogue RP-5 in favor of a BHK Pre (PSAudio). The difference was major. The pre was quieter with my old NuForce amp.

2. I sold the NuForce and purchased a Firstwatt j2. This amp is beautiful and will run you out of the room when cranked. Smooth tube like flavor with a really deep low end. Right now I could not be happier. 

If only every thread was updated by the op like this. Congrats and thanks for finishing it out.

Yes, Thanks for the update. 

The Art Audio PX-25 is 5w and is brilliant with Zu speakers.  The PX-25 is an interesting sort of "goldilocks" tube which is in the middle between a 2A3 and 300B.  It is not quite as detailed as a 2A3 and the midrange is not quite as lush as a 300B but it is more detailed than a 300B and has a midrange that is more lush than a 2A3. 

Is $8499 above your budget?  

I’m actually quite happy with the first watt. Thanks for all the suggestions