Advice or Experience with Tube Amps: 485's or KT170's?


I am looking at purchasing a new tube amp to match a set of speakers with 95db efficiency. In this particular setup, I don't think 300b's will give the needed power across the spectrum. This has led to looking at 845 and KT170 tube amps. Both seem to be answers to retaining some of the positive sonic characteristics of the 300b but with the advantage of gaining higher wattage power.  I don't know the strengths or weaknesses of each of these, when comparing sonic attributes.  Can anyone offer advice on this?  Here are some models I have found in searching online:

Mastersound Compact 845 Integrated

Audion Black Shadow 2 Mono Blocks 845

Viva Solistino 845 Integrated

Allnic T-2000 KT170 Integrated

Ayon Triton EVO KT170 Integrated

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience with any of these or with the two tubes in question.

Greg

gregjacob

Currently have Daedalus Muse but also buying Wolf Von Longa Son Speakers that are 95db.  I am set on not buying 330b's at this point, so I am looking for class A tubes that have more wattage than 8-10 w.  I do not think most 300b's would be adequate, thus the search for something close to the same end results with broader high and low strengths, i.e. more wattage /power.

I agree with @gregjacob that KT170 sounds rather different from 300B. I've heard a couple 300B amplifier (Takatsuki and AirTight). KT170s have more excitement and 'meat' in their sound. 

There are a couple more highly regarded KT170 options. Jadis I70 and Lab12 Integre4 MKII. I'm using the Lab12. IMO, it is identical in performance to the more expensive Jadis and far easier to live with. I've not heard the Allnic though it seems to be highly regarded.

 

 

auroravengeance

Thanks for the recommendation.  The LAB12 Integre4 Mk2 Integrated Amplifier now comes outfitted with KT-170 valves and garners some great reviews.  And the price is right.  I have put it on my short list.  I would still like to listen to it side-by-side with an 845 setup like the Viva or Mastersound. But from what I've read, a lot of people on a similar search would apparently be at home and finalized with this Greek amp! Cheers.

@gregjacob Most of the reviews online were for the original version with KT-150 tubes. I've actually tested the amp with both KT-150 and KT-170 tubes. With KT-150s it was a very good amplifier, with KT-170s it was a great amplifier and IMO good enough as an end-game amp regardless of price. With KT-170s there is more weight and smoother sound that overall is more pleasing to hear. 

Nonetheless, do audition and compare as many amps as possible. Different tubes have different sonic characteristics and I know there are those who prefer 300Bs to KT-170s. 

300b is more than enough for 95dB spekers.  I'm driving 95dB with 2.3 watts and it is more than enough. 

There is a damatic difference between an SET and a push pull.  You have the advantage of being able to power your speakers with an SET.   Nice push pull amps cost more, have twice as many tubes, put twice as much heat into the room, and most people think of it as an upgrade.  I consider it a compromse that gives up sound quality to make enough power for an insensitive speaker.  You don't have ain insensitive speaker.

With your budget get a quality hand built 300b and a quality preamp and you'll be very happy.

Jerry