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Tube amp, more low end

I've just taken my first step into tubes, with a TAD-60. My speakers are Gallo 3.1's. I really like this amp! I can't believe how "real" the music sounds. It really is amazing. The one thing that I do feel is lacking however, is low end "slam", as well as control. I know generally speaking, this is a characteristic of tubes. But I'm wondering I there's an affordable tube amp ($1500-$2000), that will offer the magic of the TAD, but with some more low end control?

Also, the TAD is currently running el34's. Would switching to kt88's make much of a difference? If I need to spend $300 or $400 on better tubes, I'd just as soon upgrade the amp.

Than
ecruz

Showing 6 responses by efner

efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
I've used both 100w Manley Snappers and my current ARC VSI60 with 3.1's
They have both sounded great.I f your amp does'nt provide enough bass for you
I'd strongly suggest you pickup a used Gallo sub amp.You can git one for less than $500 nad it will give you all the bass you'll EVER need.Plus you can tune the low end to match your room.I've heard that set up with the Snappers and it is the most dynamic sound I've ever heard.
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
With the Gallo sub amp it will be like having stereo sub woofers,and they blend in perfectly wth the rest of the speakers
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
I definetly would keep the EL34's!
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
The 3.1s are not
'hard to drive" I've had a pair,
As for good output transformers and poer supplies,the Manley snappers at $4000 retail,do the job extreamly well.And they feature EL34's
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
Or as I said add the Gallo 200wpc sub amp
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
I think you made the right move.
Be patient my friends a top engineer and he took weeks to get his dialed in,and it sounds amazing.
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