2. amps-preamps
  3. 159531-110095

Tubes?

I have Revel Salon 2 speakers. Sensitivity is about 85 db. and 4 ohms. They are power hungry speakers. Currently, I am driving them with McIntosh 601's and a McIntosh solid state preamp. I was look looking at a pair of McIntosh MC2301. They are tube amps rated at 300 watts into 2 - 8 ohm loads. I listen to all types of music (sometimes at very high levels). I never run out of power with the 601's, but I am very intrigued with tubes. This may be a misconception, but I remember some friends who played guitar saying, tube watts were louder than solid state? Perhaps this is not really true or not true regarding home stereo. Perhaps the best idea is to keep the 601's and get a good tube preamp?                          Thanks, Dave 
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Showing 2 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,234 posts
 

mmporsche,

Wow! Switching from the constellations to the 211 tube integrated is quite a leap across the amplification spectrum. I suspect your current system sounds marvelous.

bigwave1,

I understand your point regarding the advantages of higher efficiency/sensitive speakers (My preference as well). However the OP (Dave) is happy with his Revels. So I believe most suggestions to him are provided with that in mind (Keeping the current speakers),

Charles

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,234 posts
 

I am partial to tube amplifiers and particularly SET amplifiers (With suitable speakers).
However I have to agree with clearthinker and say that a SET even utilizing a high power output tube such as the 833 wouldn't be the best direction to take with this type of speaker.


Very high power push pull tube amps may be a viable alternate but keep in mind these amps have 'multiple' numbers of tubes to deal with. All things considered I believe using  a tube preamp is a very reasonable approach with the current speakers and SS amplifier (Both of which the OP likes).  A tube preamp using the 6SN7 is a good recommendation in my opinion.

Charles

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