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Tube amp for Sourcepoint 8?

My Sourcepoint 8s are breaking in nicely...loving them so far (and boy did they need break-in!). I have them paired with an Exposure 3510 integrated, which sounds wonderful - the holography and bass quality are completely addictive. But I do notice a slight dryness in the upper mids, and I'm wondering if a tube amp might be helpful here. Does anyone have direct experience with SP8s combined with tube amps? Only looking for people who have actually heard them in person this way (not on YouTube). Separates are not an option for me...looking for an integrated solution. Any insights appreciated. Thanks!

mdemaio
soix
9,974 posts
 

From Stereophile’s measurements section of their review…

The SourcePoint 8's specified sensitivity is 87dB/2.83V/m; my B-weighted estimate was the same. The SourcePoint 8's nominal impedance is specified as 8 ohms, with a minimum value of 6.4 ohms. I measured the speaker's impedance magnitude and phase with Dayton Audio's DATS V2 system, but for consistency with Stereophile's presentation of impedance graphs for the past 33 years, I created fig.1 with the Audio Precision System One software. The speaker's impedance magnitude (solid trace) is greater than 8 ohms for almost all the audioband, dropping to 7.47 ohms at 120Hz. If this speaker is used with tube amplifiers, the significantly higher impedance in the treble compared with that in the midrange will tilt up the high frequencies. With the high average impedance, the equivalent peak dissipation resistance, or EPDR (footnote 1), is generally greater than 4 ohms, though it does drop below that magnitude between 197Hz and 341Hz, with a minimum value of 3.83 ohms at 242Hz. Even so, the SourcePoint 8 is an easy load for an amplifier.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

It's an easy load, just not very loud.

mdemaio's avatar
mdemaio OP
73 posts
 

Thanks guys..I appreciate the comments. I've read the reviews and seen the numbers, but that doesn't always tell the whole story. That's why I'm hoping to hear from someone who has actually heard the speakers in situ with a tube amp. 

As for loudness, in my current set up the volume pot is at less than half and it's more than I can handle...I can't imagine volume would be an issue with a push-pull tube amp in the 30+ watt range, at least for the way I listen. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

If you listen at low decibels (many of us do), then a normal 40-50 wpc push-pull tube amp should do you well. Most advisors (dealers) assume you will want the ability to turn it up really loud when they tell yo to buy a 300-500 wpc amp.

mdemaio's avatar
mdemaio OP
73 posts
 

Yes, I rarely listen above 70-75 DB. I'm not looking to peel the paint off the walls, but  ideally I would like to add some body and texture without losing control in the bottom end. 

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