Will tubes rock?

Using my Sonic Frontiers SFS-40 with Paradigm Studio Monitors (the big guys!) in my 17' by 12' by 7.5' living room I can honestly say that for rock music it just didn't cut it. My Bryston B-60 was a much better match when the volume needed to be upped a little. But your speakers are probably an easier load and if your room is on the small side, a medium powered tube amp like mine could be enough for you. The biggest area that suffered with the tube amp (if you can call it suffering - it still sounded good), was bass slam and ultimate control. The mids and highs here gorgeous!. My advice would be to get a good sounding solid state amp that has the power you need, and only buy tubes if you can afford big beefy tube amps where power is not a concern. A used pair of Sonic Frontiers SFS-80s (monoblocs) might be the ticket. Hope this helps.

Allen

Pinetop, what Spicas do you have? I would concur with the Rogue monoblocks. Also, VAC PA160 monoblocks are an excellent value on the re-sale market if you can find them (I prefer the MkI's to the MkII's). Also check out the Mesa Baron -- maybe the rockingest (new word?) "affordable" tube amp out there.

Almost all guitar amps used by rock bands are tube amps.If they are good for these guys there good for everone.I use Rogue 120 rock with the best of them.

Music Reference RM200 Tube amp by Rodger Modjesky was $3600 retail-purch. new. $2300. 6550C in it now. JJKT88 about to roll. This push pull amp has never failed to rock from whatever was played thru it. Satrianni to space music. A little laid back for some. This room is not to large (13X25) w/burbur carpet. Rest of sytem: Sound Wave Point Source 4.5, 2.5 & Diolog center speakers by vero research inc. w/Vandersteen 2WQ subs. ARC LS10 ss pre & Anthem AVM2surround/AVC3amp & Straightwire Crescendo/BlacSilc/Seranade/Infolink cables. comprise 2ch. & theatre.

Pinetop, check your tangeloes, biased ortho-citrus, and get back to us.