Compact ~20WPC Tube Amp

Hey guys, we all know that you both build great products. Deep respect for Atmasphere and Aric Audio

Agreed. No question there is more than one successful approach to building audio components. And the final product will speak for itself.

Charles

Sounds as if a compact, integrated EL-84 amp might just fit the bill for around 20 w/ch. There’s a newer Quicksilver and or older, refurbished Scott, Heathkit and Eico integrateds. EL-84’s were often the tube of choice back "when"....they still sound great! - Still, choose the right speakers, that you like & fit the room size, then choose your suitable amp (tubes generally like 8 ohms or more).

Thanks Truman- I hadn't thought of going vintage EL84. That's an easy thing to purchase and try out without making a huge financial commitment.

@dhcod

Are you going to share the specifics on your speakers? I’m a huge fan of the EL84 tube but depending on your speakers, they could be wrong. It also depends on the amp topology. A single ended el84 amp begins to distort at 5ish watts with max power 9-10 watts per channel. Push pull begins to distort around 6-9 watts and tops out around 12-15 wpc. Some of the old Scott’s that use the 7189 can be pushed a little further to achieve high teens realistically. I believe the EAR, quicksilver, Manley and some others use 8 rather than four el84’s so those numbers can double up.

Once again though, if you would share your speakers with us we might be able to provide better advice. 4ohm? All bets are off. Crossovers with 50 year old caps? Ditto.