2. amps-preamps
  3. 1055967045

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

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
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.
More to discover