Why tube amps are rated so low, still don't get it


Hi Guys,

I am still very confused as to howcome tube amps are rated so low, and how to tell whether the amp will be able to power your speakers properly. In particular I am interested in the Shanling SP-80 tube amplifiers for my system. This is since I have the CD-T100 and I want to partner it up with the amp for the synergy. The amps are rated at 50W each (monoblocks). Is that enough? How do I compare it to a SS amp? I tell someone 50W SS and they laugh, but I say 50W tube and they call it a monster! I am still very confused!

Thanks for any help/explanation,
X
xenithon

Showing 1 response by jax2

There are lots of good speakers that will give you very satisfying results with 50 watts of tube power in a moderately sized room. Though I'm not familiar with either of the two speakers you are considering either appear to be quite adequate. I'm using 90db floorstanders at home running them with 10watts of PP (tube) power and that system can give clean sound loud enough to disturb the neigbors next door. The two speakers you mention also boast 90db efficiency. Keep in mind also that synergy is not just whether the speakers will play music at a satisfying volume with the given amp. The best thing you can do to determine whether you'll like it is actually listen to the specific combination of amp and speaker you are considering. If that proves difficult, buy used, listen, and sell if you don't like what you hear. Repeat this procedure till you find the combination that raises the hairs on the back of your neck and gets your toes to tappin' involuntarily, OR until your wife/s.o. throws you out of the house on your ass!

Marco