2. amps-preamps
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Tube amp rough guidance sought

Hi all,

I've got an about10 year old pair of B&W 805's, a paradigm servo 15 sub, currently running through a NAD T770 amp that used to also drive surround speakers. I haven't owned a TV in years and haven't used the center/rears in years. I've come to the opinion that the 2.1 setup needs to be fairly loud to produce decent sound and is pretty lifeless and flat at low volumes. Currently in a decently large room, tile floor, but lots of soft stuff to break up reverb.

I listen to a variety of things as all would say but mostly jazz, blues, classic rock, latin music and contemporary stuff. From Jim Croce to Ella to Led Zeppelin to Jeff Buckley and a lot that is less well recorded.

In any case, I'm thinking more and more about tube amps as a way to get a warmer sound, more life at low volume, and more just ear pleasing delight. I'm not a slut for sonic purity and I don't love having to turn it up really loud to get rich sound and good energy.

I'm guessing a first step might be to find a local hi-fi shop and take my 805's in and just try some stuff? I'm also fully open to suggestions of all sorts including changing anything else in the system, "selling all that crap and starting over" or whatever else folks can come up with.
antshrike

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,616 posts
 
B&Ws in general are not tube-friendly, although the 805s are probably one of their easier speakers in that regard. The room size is important- the 805s are not particularly efficient.

BTW if you want speakers that are easy to afford, easy to drive and favor tubes talk to Duke at Audiokinesis.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,616 posts
 
Antshrike, you would not be buying speakers for the room, you would be buying speakers to match to the amp. If you have a tube amp in mind a speaker that is more efficient would be a good thing whether you move or not.

Duke at Audiokinesis makes speakers that are easy for tube amps to drive and they are reasonably priced as well as musical and revealing. Most of his models play good bass too- you may find that you don't need the sub.

BTW here's a link that talks about some things that relate directly to matching amps and speakers:
http://www.atma-sphere.com/Resources/Paradigms_in_Amplifier_Design.php
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