How big of a difference do amps make?

Newbee
Marantz sa-8004 should be here soon.

Huge difference. Going from SS to tube is great if you have very efficient speakers. Otherwise, you will become frustrated quickly. How efficient? My rule of thumb is 90db or higher - but if your tube amp has low power, then much hire db efficient speakers are needed. Room size is also key. If you have a big room (say anything bigger than 10 x 15), then you will need even higher efficient speakers.

The other option is to look at some big tube amps like the Mcintosh 2301's. Then, 90db efficient speakers or higher should be fine IMO.

Mike

I am going from ss H/K Citation to Thor 30 watt monos. I will be doing an A/B Comparison. Cant wait.

You'll get better seperation with mono's too. If you keep the Thors, get a new set of tubes plus a couple of extras for back up and you should be set for a while.

One of the Thor monos came in today. Has new tubes and the gentleman I bought them from basicly threw in a nice set of speaker cables to boot. Hope the other arrives tomorrow.
Gotta get a couple power cords and should be ready to fire them up !!