tube amps for OB-5s

R_burke · « **on:** 8 Nov 2009, 07:53 pm »

My Sonic Frontiers Power II just smoked

, and if I can't get it repaired I am going to be in the market for another tube amp. Saw a recommendation for the McAllister, but I was wondering if there are others that people can recommend.

I never used all of the power (110 x 2) in the Sonic, but am thinking I want at least 35 wpc. Also don't want to spend more than $2,000 including shipping and fees

cujobob · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 04:44 pm »

The Mcalister PP-150 amp does sound good with the OB-7s I have.

JimJ · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 05:39 pm »

Any preference for monoblocks vs. stereo?

R_burke · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 10:56 pm »

Quote from: JimJ on 9 Nov 2009, 05:39 pm

Any preference for monoblocks vs. stereo?

Prefer stereo, even considering integrated

cujobob · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 11:35 pm »

If there's a Music Reference sale, those are definitely worth checking into from what I've heard.

kingdeezie · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 11:56 pm »

What about Manley??

There are several Manley Stingrays on Audiogon in the 1400-1700 dollar range, and in UL mode the put out 40 watts per channel...

They also are pretty sweet looking.

Rocket_Ronny · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 12:56 am »

The McAlister PP-150 is probably the best amp I have heard. It is right up there. It drives my OB-5s to a loud level, being 70 tube watts. Love it very much. Open, clean, clear, fast, fast, fast, with 0 fatigue.

Rocket_Ronny

HT cOz · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 05:44 pm »

Here are few options to consider. Gary Dodds new battery powered amp. Though it is 15w it has the ability to burst to 30w. It might just make your list. He also is rumored to have 30w monoblocks on the way. Those presumably would burst to 60w. http://doddaudio.com/battery_powered_amp.aspx

I have a Melody made amp that I have been happy with. Here are some mono-blocks on sale. http://www.melodyhifi.com/S88.html

With that budget you are sure to get something special.

Good Luck

jtwrace · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 05:48 pm »

Take a look at this thread: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72057.0

Danny Richie · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 07:57 pm »

My thoughts are that the new Dodd battery powered tube amp is on a completely different level than all others mentioned. I don't know if the 15 watts would be enough for you, but my guess is that it might. They are way more powerful than you think.

I have had a ton of amps through here and none have sounded as good as that one.

Gary has some built and ready to ship right now. Maybe he can let you try one out for yourself.

gld · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 08:09 pm »

Just my 2 cents worth. If your speakers are at least 91 db and your room isn't too large you can expect a good comfortable listening level from this amp. Now if you have to be like really loud then tough it just won't do it. I'm just sayin that if you really want to enjoy noise free beautiful music at a comfortable level then this is the amp for you. I use a pair of Danny's older Alpha LS speakers at 91 db and my room is smallish at 12'x13'x 8' and I can easily play in mid 90's spl

with no hint of strain! That's way louder than normal listening for me anyway.
I have them in stock, ready to ship.

If you have your own battery and charger I'll send you 1 out and you can see for yourself what I'm talking about.
Gary

gprro · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 10:42 pm »

Hi Gary,

Are the mono versions still in the works? If so, any chance there is a future upgrade path or possibility of (and i have no idea if something like this is even possible) strapping two mono's to each speaker. One for the positive, and one for the negative terminal. I realize the amps would probably have to be interconnected somehow though...how bout a 60 watt mono

?

I have some 20 hour minkota trolling batteries just sitting around. Have you noticed any difference in sound when using different or larger batteries?

Thanks,
Giyan

gld · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 11:26 pm »

Yes, the mono's are in the works. Release time yet unknown. I have 1 pair running with some issues to be worked out. I am now selling the first version stereo amp with the new buffer coming next,(a few weeks away, now taking orders) the the mono's and integrated's will follow. I will eventually bring on aboard higher powered amp versions as time goes. This all battery, tube gear is very new as I am the only 1 currently doing anything with it, so it takes some time and we always start small. It would be easier to come up with 60 or more watt amps then trying to bridge together a bunch of amps just to get the power needed. I have used many 5AH and 10AH batteries and I currently am using a single 100AH battery and I cannot hear any differences. aa
Gary

Rocket_Ronny · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 12:08 am »

I don't doubt that Gary's battery powered tube amps are killer. Would love to hear one myself.

I just don't think 15 watts is enough. Not if you play it loud. I know the 22 watt Mcalister proved to not be on the OB 5s. That's why I sold it and went for the 70 watter, and the 22 watter was very robust power wise.

I would buy two of Gary's amps and vertically biamp. Then that might work out o.k. Got to like that advice hey Gary?

Rocket_Ronny

gprro · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 12:40 am »

Good to know there are some higher powered ones in the works! I'm going to end up with batteries all over my living room

I agree too that, even for the super v's, I know I would want more power. I used to run 97db speakers with an old HK thx amp that was at least 150 watts, granted not the best quality. And even that occasionally would go flat on really loud rock, tool, rage etc...I'm definitely a little volume crazy. Only on rare occasions though.

R burke,
If you can wait for the mono's, and you only think you need 35 watts, I bet those would be awesome. Try one of the stereo's, and tell us how it is

HT cOz · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 12:49 am »

Wow that's loud!

stevenkelby · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 11:51 am »

Can't wait for my amp Gary, I have a big AGM battery ready and waiting

Danny Richie · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 02:28 pm »

Hey R_burke,

If you are interested I can make you a killer deal on these:

There is a thread on those amps here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65521.0

HT cOz · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 04:31 pm »

Quote from: Danny on 11 Nov 2009, 02:28 pm

Hey R_burke,

If you are interested I can make you a killer deal on these:

There is a thread on those amps here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65521.0

Those are sweet!!!

woofersus · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 07:37 pm »

Wow, you still have those? If I had any money to spend I'd be all over it. I guess most of us are in that boat though.

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