Move to higher power output tubes?
Recently acquired a pair of not even yet burned in Dodd 120 MkIII, also known as Dodd 150 tube monoblocks. The late great Gary Dodd designed them to run with EL34 output tubes, delivering 150 watts from either 8 or 4 Ohm taps (using 8 Ohm). Running 2002 vintage NOS SED Winged C EL34s in them and they sound amazing on our 87dB sensitivity at 8 Ohm, 6 Ohm nominal B&W Matrix 801 Series 2 speakers with Northcreek Jr. crossovers (including zobel network for woofer). The bias is user adjustable on the Dodds and so theoretically, the amps could run higher power tubes such as 6550s or KT150s. What are thoughts on whether an increase in power and associated benefits such as dynamics, lower distortion at equivalent volume...I'm sure there others...is worth losing the amazing 3D and tonal quality of the EL34s. Importantly, playback does not seem to be volume limited, dynamics are great, soundstage is palpable; in short, no deficiency is detectable...but, could higher power output tubes take this system to yet an even higher level? I am partial to EL34s, so psychologically disinclined to pursue such, but would like to know what sane actors think. But I'll take your opinions :)
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