2. amps-preamps
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Tube Watts Vs. Soild-State Watts?

I am considering replacing a large solid-state amplifier with a decent sized tube amp, and was wondering what I may be giving up/gaining by making the change? My speakers are quite sensitive, about 98dB. I love the dynamics and bass control the big SS amp provides, but I would like to get more resolution and detail out of my music. I don't play music at loud volumes, but I do enjoy decent listening levels. Any info appreciated.
333jeffery
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi 333jeffery, 
What output tube does this amplifier use and is this a parallel SET topology? 80 watts is a lot for a SET.
Charles 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The 833 in a set is said to give 150w with much distortion.

http://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/WAVacFIG06.jpg

http://www.highendaudio.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Wavac-SH833-W720-001-W720-002-front1_wm.jpg

Cheers George

333jeffery OP
122 posts
 
It's a transmitter tube amp, and the tube is the size of a coffee can. The solid-state amp I'm using certainly is dynamic with the Double Impact speakers. But, I feel like I'm not getting as much detail as I could be. I've upgraded everything else in the system, which just leaves the amp.
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
Sounds interesting 333jeffery. It's certainly a type of tube amp I'm not familiar with. A tube the size of a coffee can? That should light up the room. Best of luck with it. The DI's sound great with tubes.....but then I love the tube sound. You'll certainly hear all the details the amp can provide with the DI's. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Jeffery,
Your description reminds me of a NAT audio (Serbia) type SET amplifier. If at all similar then it will have terrific quality output transformers and very robust power supply. They are very ruggedly built. 
Charles
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