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tubes and current

hi all, I current use a 300B SET with a pair of B&W805 D3 sounds good but with obviously drawback that the B&Ws love high current and the 300B SET can only do so much.  I've been saving up for a second tube amp for large orchestral music and when I want lush full body sound.

I've been looking between EL34/KT88 amps with 4 tubes vs 8 tubes.  I have borrowed a 4x EL34 tube amp before and there was more than enough volume for me, so I don't need 8x tubes for more volume.  What I'm wondering is if 8x tubes would produce 1.5x-2x the current produced or is that really just a design of the amplifier not directly related to number of tubes.

Otherwise, any high current tube amp you guys like below $2500 used or new?  
Is it worth trying 300B push pull or 845 SET?

Thanks.
hifineubee
hifineubee OP
56 posts
 
Excellent explanation Al, thank you!
elevick
2,636 posts
 
If you like the warm tube sound and love those speakers, consider a Class A amp.  You might find an Aragon, Sumo or other for a reasonable price.  Pass Labs will do what you need but are not cheap.  Otherwise you need a big tube amp such as Cary v12.
There are fairly efficient speakers out there that aren't as unique as single driver speakers if you can find them.  Coincident is my favorite but you will find others rated at 92db or better.  92db will barely cut it with 8 watts.  
lilmsmaggie
273 posts
 
Here is more info on the Quicksilver Mid mono amp.  There is also a 
230 volt/50Hz version:

Power Output: 40 watts into 4 or 8 ohms

Power Bandwidth: 16 Hz to 35 KHz

Input Sensitivity: 1.25 volts

Input Impedance: 100 K ohms

Power Consumption:
105 watts at idle
210 watts at full power

Tube Complement: 1 12AX7 input, 1 6922 driver, 2 EL34 outputs


I believe all Quicksilver amplifiers have the same input impedance.   Input sensitivity does vary.
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