You should consider this amp if you are looking for a cool running powerful amp.
https://www.starkesound.com/detail.html?id=47&name=AD4.320
Selling off Tubes for Solid State, A Cooler Love Story?
I've always sought out Primaluna gear as my end all be all gear. I started with an integrated, then went to separates and have been very, very happy. What has given me such good sound, is also causing the room temperature to be somewhat annoying. Being in a little shoe box room of 10x15, I've had to result to opening a window, which is becoming tiresome.
The heat from just the KT88's is causing me to considering going solid state, which will be in preparation for the Summer in my tiny upstairs room. I'd like to possibly get a second amp for the summer months, but am not sure where to start with solid state amps. Do I pick up a BHK? Do I go all in on a used Ypsilon or Dartzeel? What did you look for in a solid state amp and where should I look? I BHK I could test drive at home, but a used Ypsilon I wouldn't able able to try and would just have to pull the trigger. Any advice or guidance is appreciated.
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I don’t have a lot of experience w many amps/gear, but I’m running a Krell Duo 300 XD class A 300 wpc. The unit stays cool the entire time at high DB levels pushing my Forte’s. The unit does have fans in the back, which I’m sure is frowned upon, but I can’t even hear them when the room is completely silent and I’m right near the amp. They also have an app to check the heat of the amp. Not really sure why they offered that for consumers. As another option, I’m selling a pair of Jeff Rowland class D monoblocks (250 wpc). Zero heat and amazing build and look. Something like that would work perfect. |
I was a dedicated tube guy for decades. Because of the heat in the Summer and speakers that needed more power, I started looking at SS. My conclusion and that of the Forum is that there was only two amps that could satisfy a tube guy-Bakoon and AGD. I now own a Bakoon headphone amp and AGD Audion mono blocks. And ultimately, AGD over Bakoon for my main system. Both are unique and proprietary technologies. Both give a clear window that is addicting but I prefer AGD for the overall SQ and the physicality over the Bakoon. Dartzeel and probably some other very expensive amps may be better in some ways but I would never change. The AGDs are my destination amps. |
@oldschool1948 thanks for the tips adding it to my wishlist.
@mglik AGD is added to my research list. |
@j-wall , the Mits in/out AC/Htr sounds like the purchase you ought to have made...but Sunday quarterbacking is too easy to default to. ;) All wonderful, well-intentioned comments and recommendations from the gallery, but you've the opportunity to dip toes into the many variations now beckoning. Tube/SS hybrids, all SS all the time, full-tilt Ds', or even 'mixed-media' combinations of both. The audio whirl'd is again your oyster to shuck about with. *G* Used to keep the budget from implosion, new when you're ready to commit. Have fun listening self into giddyness, J 'Bots don't type like this... |
@oddiofyl Can't agree with you more! |
I had a PL HP integrated and other tube amps. I now have a Bob Carver Crimson 275. To me, it bests the PL line, is less expensive, and runs super cool. I'm in Chicagoland so heat in the winter is welcome, but in my third floor listening room I want none of it in the hot summers. That problem is entirely gone. I like PL as a product. I think that it's missing some mojo though. Just my two cents. Be careful with that SS adventure. While I agree with the sage JJSS (super dude), your subjective enjoyment is all that matters. |
@jbhiller is also right to bring attention to the lovely carver 275 wonderful amp in many ways, moderate heat output (more than the lta but a good amount less than the primaluna with half the # of power tubes) - it is also a tube amp that is very easy with tubes, leading to extraordinarily long life in use there is something very right about how this crimson 275 amp presents the music, especially into higher efficiency speakers |
Should look at at tubes further up the ladder. I can not imagine not having my AH Qualiton X200 in my system. Just my opinions here and you should do what is right for you. Have a great day. |
@charles1dad the 301s is awesome but the X200 is better for me. I am thinking about keeping the 301S it is a quality piece. |
@jerryg123 AFAICS, Jeff Rowland makes 301s monoblocks, and Bel Canto makes an e.ONE REF500s. |
I went through something similar: Had a tube integrated amp with 8 KT88 power tubes. Sounded great but the room would get toasty. I switched to a SS integrated out of curiosity and to address the heat issue. Enjoyed it for about 3 months but ended up having a Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi moment: "you don't know what you've got till it's gone". I replaced the SS integrated with a KT120 power tube integrated amp (same WPC as the previous KT88 amp) but with fewer tubes (4 only) and less heat. If you love the tube sound and the glow at night I strongly suggest sticking to it. Some things are worth the hassle and inconvenience. Octave (70 WPC) and Qualiton (100 WPC) both use 4 KT120 or KT150 tubes which generate less heat and both sound awesome. |
