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Recommendation Request for Tube Power Amplifier

I have been using an all solid state system for many years. I hear so much about the "tube sound" experience. I'd like to check it out.The only experience with tube amps that I have comes from these two amps...

One is the Paragon System E Tube Preamp with phono. I bought this new about 1980. It uses six 12ax7 type tubes. I used it quite heavily for a few years. When it developed problems with the volume control, I replaced it with something I can't remember. In storage for a few decades, I pulled it out six months ago, cleaned all contacts, especially the volume pot. Still works!. I have measured this guy quite thoroughly. Phono gain is 43 dB. Distortion from Tape Out is below the noise floor at -95dB. Noise at 60 Hz and multiples is -60dB or better below 0dB recorded level.. Great numbers, even compared to modern preamps. I replaced the old 12AX7 tubes with six matched Genelex Gold Lion tubes.  I'm using this now as a phono preamp with the Koetsu RS and a step up transformer at 20x (Cinemag 1254). The table is a brand new Technics SL-1200G. I really like this sound.

But I'd like to try tube amplification again without spending a fortune.

What tube power amp would be a great match for this system? Years ago, I had a CJ MV75 power amp. I liked the sound, but hated the continual tweaking of the bias, even with brand new tubes. I sold it.

My budget is $3K or less.My system is not too efficient (86 dB sensitivity Revel 105 Bookshelf speakers and a self powered HSU sub, 100Hz xover), so I probably need more than the 3 watt/ch amps I see for some of the less expensive models. How much power do I need? I'm not sure. I've never heard any problems with the Levinson No. 27 or the present Bryston 2.5B cubed, but they both put out 100 W/ch or more. Balanced inputs would be great, but not absolutely necessary.

I consider my present system to sound quite neutral. I worked very hard to get it that way. I'm very pleased with the sound.

I want to exprience that warm tube sound if only to have a change of pace. Or maybe...

Thanks for your help!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xkevemaher

Showing 1 response by vthokie83

vthokie83
658 posts
 

kevemaher,

A lot of really good recommendations above, I'll add a few from my experience in my system:

(1) Soix's recommendation of a Don Sach's tube amplifier is a really good one. I do not own any of his gear, but I've had several emails back and forth with him, and he's been really helpful....and gave me some really good ideas.

(2) Jasonbourne and Mulvening also brought up a great idea about looking into a modern recreation of the Dynaco amplifiers. I own and can HIGHLY recommend a Tubes4hifi (Bob Latino) VTA ST-120 amplifier; I have mostly NOS tubes in mine. The transformers are monsters, and there is reserve power for days. I have NOS Amperex 6922 and 7308 gold pin signal tubes, KT120 power tubes, and a NOS Philips 5R4GYS rectifier.....definitely pushing more than 70 WPC

A completed amp (they also come in kit form if you are so inclined), is $1,680 without tubes, or $2,040 with a complement of modern 6550 tubes. You can check them out here http://www.tubes4hifi.com/amps.htm

(3) As mentioned above, Brent Jessee is a fount of knowledge on all things tubes, and has a huge collection of new old stock tubes of all types for sale. His website is also loaded with information and research, like this link on pre amp tubes 6922/6DJ8/7308/6N23P/ECC88/etc. 

Best of luck to you!

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