"Or just use more efficient speakers. "
Dear JoshK with 3D Mystery Spectrum,
A couple of years ago, I have visited one of the best tube amplifier designer in this country and the world. The most important part of his stereo system was Steinway & Son in his living room; his wife plays piano and he apperently...listen.
He had efficient speakers, Trio Avangarde (spelling?), German horn speakers with efficiency, I believe more then 100 dB. They were driven, however, by the pair of his 150 wpc tube fully balanced monoblocks.
At first I thought that he try to kill a bird by nuclear device but then I listen.... and it was my 1st exposure to the dynamic range in stereo close to real stuff (e.g. one can hear very clearly how CD mastering compressed LP "free info")
Other day, I visited his factory where he and his team use the same monoblocks but with regular efficiency (highly praised and very expensive)speakers. I was very dissapointed in sound and told him that I am "like a dog: I know what hear but can't explain or even describe it well"
I believe today, I can explain it - luck of dynamic range (similar to that I heard with same monoblocks just a few miles away) and most probably increased tube distortions at very high power outputs (more then 10 fold, my guess)
Best Wishes,
Simon