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Tube amp mono block recomendations

Hello,

I am looking for recommendations up to $5000.00 mostly on the used market. My listening is moderate volume, Blues, 70’s rock, some Mainstream Jazz.
I like a little forward brighter sound due to some hearing loss in the Mid frequencies.

My system is currently:
Audio Note M3 Line pre tube
Audio Note 3.1 DAC tube
Linn LP12 with AN / Rega arm
Fisher sa16 amp tube.
Speakers:
Audio Note AN K spe
Snell type E
Tannoy MG’s

My tendency is to go with Audio Note to complete the synergy but would like recommendations for something else. I am not very experienced with the sound characteristics of various Tube amps.

Thanks
pkvintage

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
Any thoughts or experiences with the ANK kits. The 300b mono blocks can be had in my price range including the C core Interstage models.

A single 300b is only good for about 7 watts. Your speakers need considerably more power than that. What are the dimensions of your room? Is it lively or absorptive?
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
Our M-60s work very nicely with the Audio Notes. IME it is helpful to give them a bit of power- while they are easy to drive and a benign impedance for tube amps, I would characterize their efficiency as 'moderate'; about 90 or so dB. So in most rooms 60 watts is a good minimum amount of power.

For this reason unless you are nearfield in a smaller environment I would not recommend a 7 watt amp on this speaker- it simply won't be enough power.

The Tannoys are very nice but here again its helpful to give them a bit of power. Of course this is true of the Snells as well. IMO/IME if you are planning a tube amp, 60 watts should be your minimum target power, but a lot depends your room and listening habits.
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