Warm, tube like sound from a/v Receiver/ Speaker combination for $1500, possible? (1 Viewer)

[Yogi]

I just purchased a cheap ASL line stage and tied it to my SS Proceed amp and the sound is quite wonderful. The ASL did add some warmth to the sound which helps tame some of the harshness in digital recordings. Esp noticable is the added dimensionality in the soundstage. Its spooky

 

[Mal P]

As a reccommendation on tube single ended amps, can I vouch for the Midwest Audio "Classic" 300B amps: http://www.audioweb.com/Store/StoreI...oreitemid=1136 (the stereobloc version is about $800 cheaper and they discount).

Unfortunately, the owner of Midwest Audio has passed away, but the same "Classic" range of 300B amps are still made and available directly from the manufacturer, Handmade Electronics: http://www.hndme.com/storeampstogo.html

Cheers,
Mal

 

[Michael R Price]

See, the problem for me is that in my experience so far, equipment capable of going louder also has better dynamics at any sound level (speakers too). With my speakers, which are OK, I can see myself realistically wanting peaks of 100db, which is frankly nothing too exorbitant for an average listening level of 85-90db as a "usual maximum." That's about 50 watts [peak] and I wish it was less, but I've got to live with low efficiency. I've listened to a 15 watt amp, a 100 watt amp and a 400+ watt amp in this system and the liveliness of the sound (even down to say, 75db) seems to be better with the bigger power. (And also, the more powerful amps don't sound as "loud" even when they are. I like that.)

What I want to know that I haven't yet learned is: What aspects of a design outside of its maximum power capability give an amplifier good dynamics? (Sorry for sidetracking the original discussion.)