AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 01:47 am

Title: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 01:47 am
Thank you all so much for the help with picking out a pre amp.
Now I'm looking to figure out which power amp to get.
I've been eyeing what look to be some pretty excellent amps.
Digging a little deeper into the user manuals and I'm being reminded of important things like on and off sequencing to not damage any associated gear.
I'd really prefer to not have to add that worry to my life so I'm looking for a little guidance.

Here's what I'm looking for.
my current and past speakers have all been fairly efficient. In the mid 90s or higher range
I typically run a bi-amped set up with a non tube bottom end.
Would like low(ish) heat output if possible
easy or self biasing
no need to follow a strict on/off sequence with the amp and it's associated gear.
I lean towards liking a warmer more lush sound
budget is sub 3K and looking for something used.
Not having to worry about what sequence the amp gets turned on or off is essential to me.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Primaluna Dialogue for it's ease of use, good reviews and possible tube rolling abilities.
But I don't know what I don't know. So please help fine tune this search a little bit.
Many thanks
Mike
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Mr Peabody on 30 Jul 2019, 02:03 am
Take a look at Conrad Johnson.  Not self bias but easy, the amp just has an LED to watch as you dial it in.

I had MV60's but under $3k you should have plenty of options.  The CJ sound just seems to breathe life into the music.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 02:04 am
Here's one I'm looking at
https://www.audiomirror.com/product-page/45w-mono-blocks-set-class-a
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1018/Audio_Mirror_Reflection_Monoblock_SET_Amplifier_Review.htm
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2019, 02:21 am
If looking for a Triode SE there is this amp hand made after order:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAVO-2-3-6C33-class-A-Integrated-Tube-Amplifier/182796114718?hash=item2a8f7f5b1e:g:RfoAAOSwvflZOUTg
If 6W are suited great option are Decware Rachel SE34.
If SolidState also fit best option are Odyssey Khartago IMO, a great value.

The Amazon price on the same amp are $2495  :scratch:
https://www.amazon.com/Jas-Audio-Bravo-2-3-6C33-Integrated/dp/B008K46K98

EDIT: Found that the Amazon amp already was imported from China and ships from VA, USA.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: musicdre on 30 Jul 2019, 02:28 am
Here's one I'm looking at
https://www.audiomirror.com/product-page/45w-mono-blocks-set-class-a
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1018/Audio_Mirror_Reflection_Monoblock_SET_Amplifier_Review.htm

those amps look stunning and likely sound great.  but to address your "low heat" factor - amps running 6C33Cs to 45 wpc may be likely to run on the hot side of warm - this is based on my 6C33C amp which is biased to run perhaps 30wpc.  if heat level is important, you may want to inquire about this.

good luck!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Mr Peabody on 30 Jul 2019, 02:40 am
A guy on another forum has a pair of the Audio Mirror and raves about them all the time.

He was going to sell them which would be surprising based on his raves, except this is his third brand of amps in a relatively short period.

In SET you might check Cary Audio who sells direct now and allows in home audition.  They often have refurb/restored deals as well.

I don't know much about pricing on separates but Triode of Japan really impressed me when hearing them.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2019, 03:21 am
those amps look stunning and likely sound great.  but to address your "low heat" factor - amps running 6C33Cs to 45 wpc may be likely to run on the hot side of warm - this is based on my 6C33C amp which is biased to run perhaps 30wpc.  if heat level is important, you may want to inquire about this.

good luck!
Just one 6C33 made 80W of heat, one GM70 made 180W of heat.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: jmolsberg on 30 Jul 2019, 11:38 am
Perhaps add this to the consideration set. Lots of power and cool as a cucumber in bowl of hot sauce

https://www.bobcarvercorp.com/copy-of-crimson-raven

I have not heard the audio mirror amps but I do have Vlad's tubadour lll tube dac and it is wonderful!

Decware is a great recommendation no doubt
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: JLM on 30 Jul 2019, 12:12 pm
Please clarify, are you thinking of still running a solid state amp for low end or a single amp?

Had a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium integrated a few years back (Stereophile class A rated that year).  Enjoyed rolling output tubes.  My favorites were 6550 followed by KT77.  EL34 were way too warm for me, KT88 and KT120 were OK.  Plenty of power (90 dB/w/m, 8 ohm speakers in 8ft x 13ft x 21ft room, old fart - mostly moderate listening).  But always felt, like others, that the auto-biasing and protection circuits, while great for a tube newbie, were holding back it's sound as it honestly didn't sound any better to me than my old Channel Island Audio D-100 mono-blocks (originals).  So I kept the D-100's. 
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: timind on 30 Jul 2019, 12:41 pm
A few years ago I bought a Prima Luna power amp. I don't remember the model but it was one of their lower tier amps. Anyway, my experience was very similar to JLMs above, the amp was ok, but nothing special. I absolutely wouldn't call it lush. Sold it fairly quick.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: lokie on 30 Jul 2019, 02:55 pm
Find and have refurbished a vintage el84 amp. Fisher, Eico, Heathkit, etc..
You have to spend thousands of dollars on a modern equivalent. And you can always sell it for what you have in it.

The transformers on these old pieces sound sublime. And the el 84's are cheap and plentiful... not to mention a blast to listen to. Nice and punchy w good dynamics and the wonderful tubey  midrange.
Then... find a vintage speaker to go with them!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: timind on 30 Jul 2019, 03:12 pm
Find and have refurbished a vintage el84 amp. Fisher, Eico, Heathkit, etc..
You have to spend thousands of dollars on a modern equivalent. And you can always sell it for what you have in it.

The transformers on these old pieces sound sublime. And the el 84's are cheap and plentiful... not to mention a blast to listen to. Nice and punchy w good dynamics and the wonderful tubey  midrange.
Then... find a vintage speaker to go with them!

I didn't make a suggestion to the OP, but I if I had, I would've suggested exactly that. I use a recapped Fisher when I want a lush tube sound. My amp uses 7189 tubes which are a more robust version of the EL84.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: abd1 on 30 Jul 2019, 03:49 pm
I have a Primaluna Dialogue One integrated amp. It's a bit of an older model but is extremely similar to the Dialogue Premium. I actually was thinking of upgrading but after listening to the Premium a couple times at a dealer I didn't think the juice was worth the squeeze and kept my Dialogue One. I've loved this amp. It was my first tube amp and it sounds amazing. I've used it with Totem Hawks, which aren't that efficient, and it sounded fantastic. Now I'm using it with Salk Song3's and it is a much better match and sounds even better. I've rolled tubes and really like the Gold Lion KT77 and Sophia Electric EL34 blue glass tubes. The Sophia Electric tubes are amazing. The amp sounds pretty close to a class A SET with those tubes. MAtter of fact I had some friends over for dinner last weekend. They are not audiophiles at all and mainly listen to music at home through an Amazon Alexa device thing. They saw the Primaluna and asked what it is, so I played a couple songs for them. They couldn't move off the couch. First they thought the sound was coming from the tubes so I had to explain stereo imaging. Then they thought there must be speakers in the ceiling and behind them, again had to explain stereo imaging, etc. It was pretty funny. Last night my friend texted me and asked if I'd help him put together a stereo system - no more Alexa. I might sell him the PL because...

I also have a Line Magnetic LM-508ia. However, when I got the amp there was something up with it because after 2-3 hours of playtime I'd get a loud buzz, so it's being checked out now, which is why I have the Primaluna hooked up. From the 2-3 months I had the LM in the system I can see it does have a more open and yet more dynamic sound than the Primaluna, but it also costs about twice as much so it should. Some downsides to the LM is that it is extremely heavy (80ish lbs), gets very hot (class a), and while I think it looks awesome (I call it Tubezilla), my wife prefers the cleaner, more understated look of the Primaluna. She said she also prefers the PL sound because its a bit more laid back to her. I planned on selling the PL when I got the LM, but I'm going to wait until I get the LM back and test it thoroughly. In the meantime I'll use the PL and then let my friend have a chance to purchase it or sell it online (assuming I keep the LM).

Either way, I do recommend the LM sound, and I think mine got knocked during shipping. It is a beast so I could see something happening. I also recommend PL. With your budget you should be able to find some nice options as well. Good luck with the search.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Tyson on 30 Jul 2019, 04:00 pm
I really like the Dennis Had Inspire tube amps - they are a tube roller's dream.  Single ended pentode, which will get you 14 watts with a KT150, 12 watts with a 6550 or KT88, 10 watts with an EL34 or KT77 or 6L6GC, 8 watts with a 807, or 5 watts with an EL84.  Yep, it really can roll just about any pentode ever made, which is freaking awesome. 

That fact that they are hand built by Dennis Had, the founder of Cary Audio (now retired), makes it much sweeter.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: rollo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:03 pm
  Stick with the brand of your preamp. Synergy matters.


charles
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:22 pm
I really appreciate all the info. 
Am I over thinking the on off sequence? I never even knew there was a sequence to follow until recently and I have had close to a dozen tube amps in and out of here. I try to be careful about changing speaker cables but I'm pretty loose with that too. I switch cables on an almost daily basis because I use the same speakers with both my 2 channel amp and my HT receiver. 
I'm worried about ruining something and know I won't always get it right or that my wife might try to swap something at some point and potentially damage something.
Maybe I should add some sort of speaker cable switcher to the mix?
Do I really need to be concerned about the on off sequence of the amps?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: richidoo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:22 pm
To avoid the turn-on problems of tube preamps get a preamp with output relay to automatically mute the output until the preamp is warmed up and stable, usually 30-60 seconds. Without such a relay many tube preamps put out DC offset, or transient pops and noises that when amplified by the power amp can damage your speakers. I still would not shut off a signal to any power amp that is powered-on and connected to speakers. I've seen too many disasters from trusting amps to behave, even the biggest brands of solid state amps. You can learn the easy way from other's misfortunes, or you can learn the hard way by blowing up your own tweeters. If turning off the amp first is impossible, then I recommend using an integrated amp.

There are a lot of good integrated tube amps in the power range you want, like Manley Stingray2 and Cary SLI-80. These are switchable between triode/ultralinear : warmth/detail. Gold Lion offers output tubes for both, they are available new, very reliable, stable bias and sound very good. Ease and stability of bias is determined by the quality of the output tubes.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:24 pm
I really like the Dennis Had Inspire tube amps - they are a tube roller's dream.  Single ended pentode, which will get you 14 watts with a KT150, 12 watts with a 6550 or KT88, 10 watts with an EL34 or KT77 or 6L6GC, 8 watts with a 807, or 5 watts with an EL84.  Yep, it really can roll just about any pentode ever made, which is freaking awesome. 

That fact that they are hand built by Dennis Had, the founder of Cary Audio (now retired), makes it much sweeter.

I've been eyeing Had's stuff.
I believe this is still available and he lives an hour away.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=163276.0

Looking at his other offerings, they all seem to be lower power then you stated, and I'm not sure if it would be sufficient for me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STEREO-TUBE-AMPLIFIER-INSPIRE-by-DENNIS-HAD-45-2A3-TRIODE-SINGLE-ENDED-AMPLIFIER/153560108178?hash=item23c0e54c92:g:6P8AAOSwWHBdJQMr

What amp are you getting those numbers from?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:25 pm
Please clarify, are you thinking of still running a solid state amp for low end or a single amp?

I currently have and will be keeping for a long time. GR servo sub H frames with the rythmic plate amps.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:29 pm
To avoid the turn-on problems of tube preamps get a preamp with output relay to automatically mute the output until the preamp is warmed up and stable, usually 30-60 seconds. Without such a relay many tube preamps put out DC offset, or transient pops and noises that when amplified by the power amp can damage your speakers. I still would not shut off a signal to any power amp that is powered-on and connected to speakers. I've seen too many disasters from trusting amps to behave, even the biggest brands of solid state amps. You can learn the easy way from other's misfortunes, or you can learn the hard way by blowing up your own tweeters. If turning off the amp first is impossible, then I recommend using an integrated amp.

So as long as my pre has the mute relay and I turn that on and off first, I'm good to go?
I got a great deal on a Rogue Super Magnum 99 Pre-Amp that is currently on it's way to me. My Rogue chronus integrated has that feature, so I'm assuming the pre does as well?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:32 pm
Does this D Sachs HK Citation V seem like a good idea?
At least I wouldn't loose any money on it if I wanted to move on from it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardon-Citation-V-5-Tube-Stereo-Amplifier-Rebuilt-by-Don-Sachs-Mcshane/323866471903?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Tyson on 30 Jul 2019, 04:40 pm
Does this D Sachs HK Citation V seem like a good idea?
At least I wouldn't loose any money on it if I wanted to move on from it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardon-Citation-V-5-Tube-Stereo-Amplifier-Rebuilt-by-Don-Sachs-Mcshane/323866471903?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


That's a very nice amp.  Old school transformers with modern day parts/circuit updates is gonna sound very nice.  Won't look as pretty as a new amp of course, but the sound should be very good.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: rollo on 30 Jul 2019, 04:42 pm
That's a very nice amp.  Old school transformers with modern day parts/circuit updates is gonna sound very nice.  Won't look as pretty as a new amp of course, but the sound should be very good.

  Nice Amp, VG headroom with effortless sound.


charles
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Escott1377 on 2 Aug 2019, 11:52 am
Transcendent Sound does not get a lot of mention around here, but his new 300 B mono blocs might pique your interest, esp. w/ your high efficient speakers:

https://www.transcendentsound.com/pinnacle.html

It's DIY, but I can put you in touch with someone to assemble if you would like.

I use Bruce's Masterpiece as my pre with a pair of EML mesh 300B's.

Not a lot of tube rolling b/c of the cost of the tubes, but these tubes are the ultimate (IMO) for that "tube sound".

Either way, good luck and have fun!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: flavo on 2 Aug 2019, 09:33 pm
I love the suggestion and am trying to stay with mono blocks for visual enjoyment. But he doesn't mention 4ohm speakers at all and my speakers are 4 ohm.
He also goes back and forth in discussing the amps together or separate in regards to specs. Are these 6W total or 6W a piece?
Thank you
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 2 Aug 2019, 10:31 pm
I would not use an OTL amp with a 4 ohms speaker, OTLs will fit well with 16 ohms speakers where they have more wattage 10W in this amp above, just me though.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Escott1377 on 3 Aug 2019, 12:11 am
I love the suggestion and am trying to stay with mono blocks for visual enjoyment. But he doesn't mention 4ohm speakers at all and my speakers are 4 ohm.
He also goes back and forth in discussing the amps together or separate in regards to specs. Are these 6W total or 6W a piece?
Thank you

My response would only be a guest, so email Bruce.  He is super responsive and can talk to you about your speakers and his opinion on how the system would perform.

Again, the pre that I purchased from him is nothing but jaw dropping.  I have thought about changing pre's since my purchase, but the 300B opens up everything from your source and sounds quite magical in my opinion.

I have it paired w/ a pair of Primaluna Dialogue 7's and a pair of Wyred 4 Sound mAmps in a bi amp set up for my Von Scweikert's.  I also run 2 x 500 W subs and the pre has not problem handling the load (sorry for a little off topic).
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 3 Aug 2019, 12:23 am
Please note he already informed in the amp page this OTL dont suited to 4 ohms speaker as is expected from a small amp:
Works with virtually any 8 ohm speaker with a sensitivity of 90dB/watt or greater.
https://www.transcendentsound.com/pinnacle.html
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Escott1377 on 3 Aug 2019, 06:11 pm
My response would only be a guest, so email Bruce.  He is super responsive and can talk to you about your speakers and his opinion on how the system would perform.

Again, the pre that I purchased from him is nothing but jaw dropping.  I have thought about changing pre's since my purchase, but the 300B opens up everything from your source and sounds quite magical in my opinion.

I have it paired w/ a pair of Primaluna Dialogue 7's and a pair of Wyred 4 Sound mAmps in a bi amp set up for my Von Scweikert's.  I also run 2 x 500 W subs and the pre has not problem handling the load (sorry for a little off topic).

If you're willing to get a little outside of the box, Transcendent Sound offers other option than the Pinnacle.  The 300B does make it a little price prohibitive in rolling tubes.  I am a fan of the OTL design since the tubes are directly powering the output, nothing is in the way.  So, peek around and always reach out to him w/ any questions.  He usually responds w/in 24 hours.  My offer still stands on putting you in touch with someone to assemble the kit.  Bruce will ship the kit (or kits) if you go mono to my contact and he will ship out to you.  I can vouch for both of them.  And again, have fun in your search :)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: RPM123 on 3 Aug 2019, 08:27 pm
Try an AVA Ultravalve with a a 30 day trial period. If you keep it, roll some Sophia Electric EL 34's to bring the sound up a notch or two.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: OzarkTom on 4 Aug 2019, 06:13 am
Until you decide on a final amp, pick up a Dayton Audio hybrid tube amp from  Parts Express for 105 dollars.. I just got one in and it is nice sounding nice. It is 12 Wpc into 4 ohms. Class D amp with tube pre. You can always use it as a desktop amp later since it also has a headphone out. Also a sub out and Bluetooth.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Pstores on 27 Sep 2019, 12:49 am
  Look at the Atma-Spere gear. CS is impeccable. And if you buy used. Have them updated to current version you get a brand new 3 year warranty.  They really are a kick ass Amp
I’ve had the M60’s and not the MA-1’s both of which I had updated to 3.3.

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: ldandha on 27 Sep 2019, 11:29 pm
Luxman or Air Tight and be done with it.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: richidoo on 28 Sep 2019, 03:36 am
I would not use an OTL amp with a 4 ohms speaker, OTLs will fit well with 16 ohms speakers where they have more wattage 10W in this amp above, just me though.

Transcendent OTLs use a lot of negative feedback to lower the output impedance, so they do work well with low impedance speakers.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 28 Sep 2019, 04:00 am
Transcendent OTLs use a lot of negative feedback to lower the output impedance, so they do work well with low impedance speakers.
Wow sorry to know it, there is no free lunch.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Pstores on 28 Sep 2019, 04:26 pm
Atma-sphere drive 8 ohm speakers very easily.  My M60’s drive my  Vandersteen low efficiency speaker very well. You can also get zero’s if you feel the need. But with the 3.3 version of amps it’s not needed. 4 ohm high efficiency speaker that have flat draw should also be no problem. I have heard them with Avalon 4 ohm speakers and they sound wonderful with no zeros needed. So OTL Amps can drive 4 ohm loads. And easily an 8 ohm load. 
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: S Clark on 28 Sep 2019, 04:48 pm
Find and have refurbished a vintage el84 amp. Fisher, Eico, Heathkit, etc..
You have to spend thousands of dollars on a modern equivalent. And you can always sell it for what you have in it.

The transformers on these old pieces sound sublime. And the el 84's are cheap and plentiful... not to mention a blast to listen to. Nice and punchy w good dynamics and the wonderful tubey  midrange.
Then... find a vintage speaker to go with them!
There's a lot to be said for this advice.  A pair of Eico HF12 mono integrated amps would run less than $400.  Gary Dodd built a pair of EL84 amps for me starting with the Eicos.  There are lots of amp guys that could do the same or something similar. 
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Tyson on 28 Sep 2019, 04:53 pm
There's a lot to be said for this advice.  A pair of Eico HF12 mono integrated amps would run less than $400.  Gary Dodd built a pair of EL84 amps for me starting with the Eicos.  There are lots of amp guys that could do the same or something similar. 

Agreed.  If you can get by with 5 watts, the EL84 is a fabulous tube.  I don't know why it's not more popular.  Maybe because it doesn't look as sexy as a 2a3 or 300b?  I can run the EL84's on my Dennis Had Inspire monoblocks, but if I didn't have that ability, I'd pick up something like this in a heartbeat:

(http://v2.stereotimes.com/utils/tinymce/uploaded/DECwarese84ckc540.jpg?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=430&width=700)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Wind Chaser on 28 Sep 2019, 05:18 pm
(http://v2.stereotimes.com/utils/tinymce/uploaded/DECwarese84ckc540.jpg?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=430&width=700)

That is one fabulous amp, BUT just because a pair of speakers are “fairly efficient” doesn’t mean they are well suited for tubes, much less a SET. Some speakers regardless of their sensitivity require more control due to the load they put on the amplifier. Synergy should always be the goal between the amplifier and loudspeakers.

So what speakers will the new amp have to contend with?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 28 Sep 2019, 05:49 pm
Agreed.  If you can get by with 5 watts, the EL84 is a fabulous tube.  I don't know why it's not more popular.  Maybe because it doesn't look as sexy as a 2a3 or 300b?  I can run the EL84's on my Dennis Had Inspire monoblocks, but if I didn't have that ability, I'd pick up something like this in a heartbeat:

(http://v2.stereotimes.com/utils/tinymce/uploaded/DECwarese84ckc540.jpg?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=430&width=700)
EL84 and his 2W are not usefull as EL34 and 6W, but it yet cheap.
There is other tubes that delivery more power with good sound as KT88 and KT90(10/12W in SET).
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Tyson on 28 Sep 2019, 06:02 pm
EL84 and his 2W are not usefull as EL34 and 6W, but it yet cheap.
There is other tubes that delivery more power with good sound as KT88 and KT90(10/12W in SET).

You should be able to get 5 watts from an EL84 run single ended, and 20 if you run them push-pull.

I have run high powered pentodes in my amp and you are right, the KT88 (or 6550) can sound amazing run single ended.  Although for my money, the slightly lower powered KT66 beats them all, for pure sound quality.  Love that tube - big, bold and great tonality. 
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: FullRangeMan on 28 Sep 2019, 06:27 pm
You should be able to get 5 watts from an EL84 run single ended, and 20 if you run them push-pull.

I have run high powered pentodes in my amp and you are right, the KT88 (or 6550) can sound amazing run single ended.  Although for my money, the slightly lower powered KT66 beats them all, for pure sound quality.  Love that tube - big, bold and great tonality.
It should be 5W in UL, in Triode its around 2W conservative.
I dont like UltraLinear amps, if a tube dead in UL mode usually other parts are damaged, it run the tube in hi power area.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: opnly bafld on 28 Sep 2019, 07:15 pm
It should be 5W in UL, in Triode its around 2W conservative.
I dont like UltraLinear amps, if a tube dead in UL mode usually other parts are damaged, it run the tube in hi power area.

FWIW
The Vaughn Carina is 3.5 watts U/L; the Grommes PHI-26 was rated at 2 watts triode and 6 watts pentode with an 8 ohm load.

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: Tyson on 28 Sep 2019, 07:18 pm
FWIW
The Vaughn Carina is 3.5 watts U/L; the Grommes PHI-26 was rated at 2 watts triode and 6 watts pentode with an 8 ohm load.

I like how Decware says the EL84 amp is 2 watts stereo and 6 watts mono, whereas all other tube amps that I'm aware of only double output at best when used mono.

Maybe they run them single ended parallel when in mono config.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: opnly bafld on 28 Sep 2019, 07:20 pm
deleted
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube power amp.
Post by: ZENTISH on 29 Sep 2019, 04:11 pm
  When mono-blocked the Decware SE84 zen amps are series strapped, and they put out more power as ohms are decreased,unlike most other single ended amps.