Tube integrated with real bass. Does it exist?


Let's assume it will drive two way speakers with 1" tweeter and 8" woofer, 89db 8ohm. Any price level. No hybrids invited.
I personally haven't heard of one.
inna

Showing 2 responses by xti16

A tube integrated with real bass?? I would suggest looking at something that has KT120 or KT150's as output tubes. I will admit EL34's lack the punch in the lows and the sparkly highs but do have mids to die for. I would consider an Octave V80SE followed by the V110. The V80SE has KT150's as standard output tubes where the V110 uses KT120's. BTW Octave had adjusted their US pricing in the spring due to the low Euro. Yes I owned the Octave V70SE then upgraded to the V110. BTW Octave is built like a tank with great output tube protection and easy biasing.
Inna - Just remember you can change the overall sound of a tube amp by swapping tubes. I never heard any 2 different manufacturers or types sound the same. They all have their own sonic signature. Example no 2 KT88's - EL34 or 6550 sound the same from different manufactures. Same holds true for little tubes like 12ax7 - 12au7 - 12at7 etc.

That said a lot will depend on your speakers. When I had Dyn C1's I preferred a warmer sounding tube like the stock SED KT88 or vintage Tung Sol 6550 solid plates. But when I went to Raidho D1's those tubes sound mushy and dull. I then preferred a more linear sound like a vintage KT88 SED 6550 or Ei KT90. Didn't care for the KT120's with either speaker.

That said I give the Octave my highest recommendation. Extremely reliable - easy to bias should you want to swap tubes and great protection for the output tubes. Not to mention soft start which extends tube life and auto off when no music is detected after about 7-8 min. As quiet as the Octave is you can add the black box or super black box to lower the noise floor even more and gain a bit of headroom.