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 swampwalker

I am doing what you are thinking about; bi-amping w solids and tubes, but my components are very different.  You will need an active crossover, preferably with the ability to vary crossover frequency, phase and gain.  In my case, I am running Feastrex full-range drivers for the mids, highs, and upper bass driven by an Atma-sphere OTL S-30, crossed over at around 80 hz to a pair of 10" woofers per side, driven by a Class D Crown amp.  I'm very happy with the result but it is a bit complicated and there are lots of places where gremlins can creep in.  I don't know if the 800Ds allow you to bypass the internal crossovers, but I would think you would want to do that. 
lalitk- I was not trying to dissuade you from the active bi-amp configuration; I am using it to great effect (at least to my aging ears) in my system.  I have the NHT X-1 crossover and it seems to be up to the task.  It's quite a bit less $ (cheapskate that I am) than the Marchand or Pass so it might be a way to see if it starts you down the right road.