Moving away from inefficient/low impedance speaker in order to move to a Tube Amp


I think this is talked about more on the amplifier side...tubes to solid state or vice versa. But as we all know, going with a  tube amp requires some effort in choosing the proper speaker. I have Harbeth C7's, which are a very nice speaker....but I'm not willing to spend the money on a high quality 100 watt tube amp. For those that have been in this scenario, please share some additional steps from your journey. Example 1: You had speaker A, but surprisingly found it worked fine with tubes...Example 2: You had speaker A, but it did not sing with tubes, so you found speaker B, and paired it with Tube amp C..... Cheers -Don

fjn04

Showing 1 response by mapman

Have not done it but done a lot of research investigating the possibilities. Class D amps have kept me from having to go there (tube amps) to-date.

Not in general interested in large bulky speakers required for best performance in general with low watt tube amps.

However, to test the waters on a limited budget, I would likely go with Klipsch Heritage line and pick a tube amp from there. Could be Heresy, Forte, or Cornwall depending on specific room and what would provide the most flexibility there. Would also consider Spatial Audio in the right room or Fritz speakers (easy load to drive) for something more compact. I would also probably at first be inclined to give it a go with my existing Ohm Walsh speakers, but would expect to need at least 20 watts or so or more.

With a limited budget, practically, it would be hard to talk myself out of trying this

Amazon.com: Willsenton R8 KT88/EL34 x4 Tube Integrated AMP Power Amplifier Headphone (Silver) : Electronics

as a first stab. Lots of good reviews, good build quality, flexible, value.

Beyond that, if needed, on a grander budget, amps I have heard that I would strongly consider come from companies like Audio Research, Rogue, Jolida/Black Ice, Conrad Johnson, Linear Tube Audio, Audio Note and I’m sure several others.