Tube Amp or Solid State Amp to go with my tube preamp?

[hnash53]

Just got into tubes with a Nobsound preamp.

Loving the sound... but wonder if I should/could/ought to go with a tube amp or solid state amp.

Thanks.

 

[whoaru99]

It's another of those horse apiece topics. Some say the preamp is most responsible for the "tube sound", others say it's the power amp. If you want to ensure you have all the tube sound then it seems only both really quelches the debate.

Of course there are considerations. If you have power hungry, nastly load speakers that you like to crank up, a big SS amp is more practical for that task.

 

[hnash53]

Thanks for the reply. I have some Infinity RS 5bs that are about 88dB sensitivity... and I don't listen at levels any higher than the upper 80s dB, so I don't require a lot of power.

I think 10-15 watts per channel will be sufficient.

 

[sberger]

It's about dynamics. You might not listen loudly, but low powered amps on hungry speakers will still sound thin, even at louder volumes. Plus there's the clipping risk. You can get a lot of watts for cheap(the pro line Crown amps are really excellent, and one of them can be had for less than $200...very warm presentation too). I'd suggest starting with a ss amp, see what you think, and then do more research on tube amps before you committ.

 

[gadget73]

Part of it might depend on the drive capabilities of the preamp. Any reasonable one can drive a low input impedance SS amp without trouble, just make sure your amplifier doesn't have lower impedance than the preamp can handle, or need more input voltage than the preamp can deliver.


Big watts with solid state is definitely cheaper and easier.

 

[hnash53]

I have a Dayton SS power amp arriving tomorrow, Friday, and will connect that up to the tube preamp and see/hear how that goes.

As for the Crown power amps... can you suggest a particular model? I looked briefly at ebay and saw some, but the prices range widely... so I would need to know a couple of models.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[whoaru99]

If you're looking at new Crown amps, last year's models like the XLS 1500 or 2000 or 2500 DriveCore have been good prices.

 

[sberger]

If you're looking at new Crown amps, last year's models like the XLS 1500 or 2000 or 2500 DriveCore have been good prices.

This. I have a 1500 to push a pair of AR 3's. Highly recommended.