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But you'll need to specify what speakers would be used, how big is the room, and what your listening habits (how loud, type of music, long vs. short listening sessions) are like.
Currently owning a large SS amp (PBN/Sierra Everest), I'm wondering what I would gain and give up, trying tubes.The amps I have in mind are AES Sixpacs or Cary V12R, both nominally 50 Wpc - however, anywhere close to that figure assumes pretty high distortion, especially in bass. Dedicated listening room is on a smaller side - 16 x 11, with some treatments.Opinions are welcome.
Yeah... I thought about that. Dips below 4 Ohm are going to be a problem. There's Stereophile review of the older EPS model, and impedance curve stays between 2 and 4 Ohms for most of the bass and midrange.Looks like powerful push-pull tube amp is the only option here, If I decide to give tubes a try.
If you don't listen at really loud levels the Cary or AES amps you mention will sound great. Your current amp (Everest) is a beast with the current output of a welder. If you are a "rocker" , you will miss the dynamics. if you crave seductive mids and a bit more depth in the soundstage, find a nice used pair of Cary 805's. Adding a quality powered sub to the EPSII's might also help. It will allow you to add some slam in the bass. It may also warm up the overall presentation a bit.for the record, I have owned the EPSII's in the past as well as the Denali amps (smaller sibling to the Everest) I use the latest EB1 SA as my current reference SS Amp.