Scott,
As you you know from our conversations, I know exactly what you mean. While I love the intimacy conveyed from our 4W SET amp/104dB speaker setup--and will not give that up--when I switch over to the 200W SS amp that we use with the same speakers, there is a presence in the dynamics that comes with the increased power. Our 50W triode amps exhibited the same kind of baseline density and ability to respond to musical transitions that eludes the low watt SET's that I've heard. Still, I think it's all about what you want in a system, or perhaps more about the kind of mood that you're in.
As Terry Cain (of Cain & Cain speakers) says so well:
As you you know from our conversations, I know exactly what you mean. While I love the intimacy conveyed from our 4W SET amp/104dB speaker setup--and will not give that up--when I switch over to the 200W SS amp that we use with the same speakers, there is a presence in the dynamics that comes with the increased power. Our 50W triode amps exhibited the same kind of baseline density and ability to respond to musical transitions that eludes the low watt SET's that I've heard. Still, I think it's all about what you want in a system, or perhaps more about the kind of mood that you're in.
As Terry Cain (of Cain & Cain speakers) says so well:
No one amp will keep a man happy long term. You need a young, firm perhaps not too articulate one you can swing from the ceiling with. And you always need a detailed and refined lower power one, the one you will never ever sell. This amp carves out the essence of tone and artistic intent, but cannot satisfy animal musical behavoir due to power limitation. With music, you cannot have too much fun. Don't let the amps get in the way. If amp -A- is complaining or not keeping up with your musical energy, just grab another and keep swinging.