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Recommend a good tube power amp in the 100 wpc range for under $4k

Folks, 

 I am looking to bi-amp my Fyne F702 speakers, with a solid state amp for the low end and a tube amp for the mods and highs.  The Fynes are floor standing 2.5 way units with 93 db sensitivity and 100 wpc rms power handling capacity.  My preamp is a Rogue Audio RP-7, and my current solid state power amp is a Benchmark AHB2 at 100 wpc.  My goal is not so much more power but to put a tube amp on the middle and highs.  The Fynes have two sets of binding posts, one for lower frequencies and one for mids and highs.  I am looking to go active bi-amping with a Sublime Acoustic K231 Stereo 3-Way Active Crossover.

  In addition to an amplifier recommendation, what else do I need to consider?  For example, if I buy an amplifier with wattage output similar to the AHB2, what other factors do I need to consider?  Because I do NOT want to modify the speakers in any way, do I need to consider a gain control to match level differences resulting from other factors, such as impedance differences? Or, can I just hook up the crossover between the preamp and the two power amps and enjoy the music, which is what it is really all about anyhow?

 

Many thanks for any and all comments.

mike4597

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

@mike4597

And I have NOT been disappointed, and, at even just first listening, I am far from disappointed. The switch from the Benchmark AHB2–an excellent amplifier—is astounding. The sounds is so much more “musical,” open, airy, “real.” The music seems to have much more “presence.”

I am happy for you.This is what tube amplifiers can do if well implemented. Nice outcome and no need for bi-amping.

Charles

 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

5K USD allows for some formidable amplifier choices as the numerous recommendations thus far have show. Lots of push-pull tube suggestions. This Fyne is 93db sensitivity and an 8 ohm speaker impedance. I’d think that the Line Magnetic 805ai is a viable consideration. 48 watts of pure class A provided by one psir of 805 tubes.Something to think about. 
Charles 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

@hilde45 

Maybe one of the "Transcend" amps, here — good maker, reputation, in your budget: https://aricaudio.com/tube_gear.php

👍

Aric Audio could build an excellent tube amplifier with the stated budget.

Charles

 

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charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

@grannyring I own the Fyne F704s and feel you are adding too much complexity to your system for no good reason. Just get one good tube amp. No need for 100 watts unless you have a huge room. One good tube amp will sound best.

 

Wise counsel from you, @lloydc ​​@soix and others who caution against unwanted complexity. It seems to me that 1 quality tube amplifier would be idea with the Fyne speakers. But I understand, to each their own.

Charles

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