2. amps-preamps
  3. 1001973134

Recommend Higher Power SET Amp

I am searching for a new amp. I own the Coincident Super Eclipse speakers (92db sensitive, nominal 14ohm, minimum 10ohm), so accomodating a tube amp should be easy. My pre-amp is a Rogue 99. I borrowed an Antique Sound Labs KT88 based single ended pentode amp (15 watts) which convinced me single ended tubes are the way to go. Only problem was, although the ASL amp provided enough power for 90% of my listening (mostly classical and jazz, with some pop/rock), at times I like to turn it up a little, or listem to some large scale orchestral pieces (Mahler, Bruckner, R., Strauss) at more realistic levels. The speakers don't mind a bit (having used a 100 watt SS amp at times), but the ASL ran out of gas.

So, the question is, can you tube afficianados recommend some single ended tube amplifiers with ratings over 30 watts per side? I know of the Cary 805 monos, but I'm looking for something more affordable. All brands welcome to apply. Thanks in advance for any ideas!
seldenr
zig
8 posts
 
There are always Golden Tube SE40 amps for sale on Audiogon for ridiculously low prices - around $400.00. The SE-40 is
single ended ( pentode ) using 3 5881wxt (6l6GC)tubes per channel with about 40 watts per side.
I see this as a "free trial" economically.

Otherwise if 15 watts is not enough you might have to go up to way more power . I can't recall the formula but I think you need to double the power for each 3db gain you are seeking.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Go with another ASL - specifically the AQ-1006(845). 22 wpc of big 845 power. More than enough, and waaaaay sweeter than KT88s to boot.
audiokinesis
2,724 posts
 
SET's that actually do over 30 watts are quite rare and I don't know of any that are less expensive than the Cary. The reason is, very few tubes can deliver over 30 watts.

You might consider an output transformerless tube amp. OTL's do some things better than SET's, and something like the Atma-Sphere M60's (under five grand) would really sing with your speakers. Generally SET's are a bit warmer and sweeter, but OTL's give you the richest inner harmonics of any amplifier type while still being on the warm side. I've had both in my sytem.
More to discover