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Tube vs Solid State

Folks,

For past few months, I have been trying to achieve best possible sound in my rig. The focus now is clearly on a improving 2 channel sound in what started as a home theater room.  

In past couple of years, I have added N10, Modwright DAC and very recently a LS36.5 linestage . The amps are Modwright KWA150SE. I am running pair of KWA150SE's in bridge mode (450Wx1) for the mighty B&W 800D2's.  While I like the sound as is, still feel something is missing. 

I have been toying with the idea of bi-amping.  One thought is to add mono tube amps to run mid's and high's and let the KWA150SE's handle the LF's. I am pursuing that seductive, slightly warm mid-range and top end that usually comes from tube amplification.  

I don't think there is any tube amp out there by itself capable of powering up bass hungry 800's. I prefer not to use a subwoofer in 2 channel setup. I listen to mostly jazz and classical music and quite sure that 800's are capable of producing adequate bass with proper amplification. 

Any feedback would be appreciated. 

Cheers! 
lalitk

Showing 2 responses by ct0517

ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Hi Lalitk  

We both own a pair of 800's but our speakers are of very different design and builds. 8^0

I have run 200 + wpc OTL monoblocks. The bass was lean and bettered by my Music Reference RM9. Also depending on where you live - you may need to have your Air Conditioning running in the winter. Forget OTL. Stick to Push Pull. You need a tube amp with excellent transformers that can be tapped on 4 ohms.
   
If you really want to come to the end of the audiophile road and enjoy the music. This is one way.
  
http://www.ramlabs-musicreference.com/music_reference_rm-200_hybrid_power_tube_amplifer.html

http://www.ramlabs-musicreference.com/pricelist.html

Try to find a first generation RM9 also.  

A very good solid state option is the Dan D'Agostino era Krells. Dan used to have Matrix 800's in his personal room and designed the FPB series to their needs.

Anyway some more stuff to chew on. :^)
Good luck. 

Cheers Chris

ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Lalitk
I am running pair of KWA150SE's in bridge mode (450Wx1) for the mighty B&W 800D2's


I had a look at the amp specs online.

so just my opinion

walk up a hill at an easy pace.
then run up that hill 4 times as fast.

Walking up that hill is like your amp in stereo
Running 4 times as fast up that hill is like bridge/mono mode.

imo - Your stressing the amps. All B&W 800 series have always been far too revealing of upstream components. So agree with Georgelofi to just run them in stereo mode. But I assume you have done that already?
You should also be running in high bias mode for those speakers. Again I assume you are doing this.
   
I noted that the amps are also not able to double down. 8 ohms going to 4 ohms and no figure shown for 2 ohms at all.

Power Ratings:
• 150W @ 8 ohms (Stereo) @ .06% THD.
• 450W @ 8 ohms (Bridged Mono) @ .06% THD.
• 200W @ 4 ohms (Stereo) @ .06% THD.
• 650W @ 8 ohms (Bridged Mono) @ .06% THD.

And from the amp manual

It is not recommended to run the amplifier in bridged mono into 2ohm loads.


This amp would not have made my final checklist for the 800d2 speakers.

http://www.modwright.com/products/kwa-150-signature-edition.php


********************

68pete
Hello ct0517
What 800,s do you have?


Hi Pete

my systems are shown here just click on the runner. 

In my Room A - Matrix 800 + Krell Bass Alignment Filter 

Cheers.



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