I believe for a 87 db efficiency you gonna want some more power. Those just aren't going to wake up until you get some wattage running through them. I do agree, more watts, is not better necessarily. I run Decware, 6 watts/channel through Altec Lansing A-7's, 16 ohm. Don't know the efficiency. I have seen everything from 95 to 110. It gets very loud and does everything I need it to do. For years I ran some JBL 4312's with a Dynaco ST-70 and this was plenty of power. I believe efficiency is 90 db. At the end of the day, some leg work will save you grief. Either get some loaner amps or load up the speakers and take them to the store. Listening in your own space is the best but listening at the store, you can get some great generalities. The Altecs are as big as a washer and dryer, you mentioned size restrictions, so probably not an option.
I'm thinking about a low watt tube amplifier?
I was looking at a small Class A Tube Amp, Finale Audio's F6 Hommage tube amplifier. It runs at 4 watts per channel, which dosn't seem like much but was curious after talking with a friend how amazingly happy he was with the sound of small, low wattage tube amps. My only concern are my Wilson Benesch speakers, which are only 97 db sensitive. I do have a pair or REL's to handle the low end. I am currently trying out a 20 watt triode Cayin Amp. (CS-55) which has proven to be more than capable of driving my speakers at low to medium volume with alot of room left. I also have a Luxman Mq-3600 triode tube amp which runs at 30 watts, no problem driving the speakers to extreme volume levels. I was thinking of talking with the stereo shop and seeing what his thoughts were, and if he is open to letting me try it out at home? My listening is low-medium volume, condo-living so big volume is restricted to headphones only, classic rock, folk, jazz-but these days the volume is low, even with the headphones, to keep my hearing in tact. I am sensitive to sharp highs and avoid these at all costs.
Anyone have any experience with these tube amps and what are your thoughts, generally, would it be worth the bother.
I don't have any plans on new speakers, but you never know! I have owned horn speakers, and I am not a fan, hearing sensitivity. I am also limited for space so small floor standing speakers or bookshelf considered (down the road).
What small watt tube amp would you recommend? The Pass Labs small amp sounds very good but out of my budget. Budget is $3,000.00 Max. What speakers are you using with your low watt tube amp.?, and what speaker sensitivity are they?
- ...
- 37 posts total
- 37 posts total