Which amp to use?


I'd like some advice. I've gone from solid state (a Pass Aleph 4) to tubes (an Audio Research D-115) and love the tube sound of the latter's 6550s with my Fulton Premieres (full-range speakers with about 88db sensitivity). I've been trying an Audion Silver Night SET 300B stereo unit (7 watts/channel) and I prefer this sound to the ARC's 6550s. However, the Audion hasn't enough power on full-scale orchestral music; the ARC does, with 110 watts/channel, but lacks the warmth and richness of the Audion. My question is this: would a more powerful 300B amp (like a VAC 30/30) be the best of both tube worlds? I fear that any push-pull 300B amp would lack the SET "magic" and that the only way to get enough power for orchestral music is to remain with push-pull designs and 6550s. I could get more efficient speakers, but I'd prefer not to. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
mark
Seems like a situation for bi-amlification.
If you have dual binding posts in your speakers, you should remove built-in crossover and get an electronic one.
Extra amp and extra electronic crossover will certainly rise the cost of system significantly.
As to the full-scale orchestral music not even 110W/ch enough even without speaking of VAC 30/30.
Some may recommend you to take more efficient set-friendly speaker but in reality they're not rated truthfully especially towards the full range.
I'd be part of the "some'" that would recommend you may want to consider more sensitive speakers if you are looking for SET magic. 88db just don't do it, and I speak from direct experience (actually I tried 89db with 8 watts in an @ 200sf room with 8 foot ceilings). At low volumes it can be stunning, but for full range at higher volumes it'll leave you wanting and would never hold up to your ARC with the same speakers. The vertical bi-amping solution offered by Marakanetz may be a great solution too, but I have no experience there. My horn speakers are 104db which makes the 8watts from my 300B SETs go a long way, and is VERY satisfying to me. Though I've done no direct comparisons with the 300B push-pull alternatives, I did own an EL34 based pair of push/pull triode amps which were very nice but ultimately would not hold up to my 300B SET in terms of atmosphere and holographic soundstage. Nor would the pentode or the ultralinear amps I've owned. Sure they can sound great and all have their own nice qualities, but I prefer the SET for the refined sense of atmosphere it lends. Were I looking for a fuller range in terms of Push/Pull Triode designs I'd consider the better designs utilizing the 6C33 tubes by BAT, Lamm, or Quicksilver. Any one of which would cost some large coin and are currently out of my price range. Just my two pennies.

Marco
I believe Manley and/or VTL make some high powered triodes. For less money c-j might float your boat. Good luck.