P-P with some muscle

[bigjppop]

So I'm just winding up my Tubelab Simple SE and have really enjoyed the build (just need to wire it and find some junk speakers to test with). I'm planning on running it with some Omega 3 speakers I purchased (93dB) and I'm hoping I like the combo. I've never heard the speakers or the amp.

So here's my dilemma; I'm really enjoying the DIY thing and I want to build something else. However, most of the speakers I'm loving are just not that sensitive. Maybe the single driver Omega's will change my way of thinking when they're up and running (they are going to be in the office) but all the speakers I really love (so far) are only 86-88 dB. I don't think I could handle something like Tubelab's monster 845 SET (although I really wish I could) so I'm thinking something push-pull.

Obviously I love the idea of of a Tubelab Simple P-P but 18 watts really isn't going to swing 86 dB speakers. I think I'm going to need at least 35 watts to get where I want to be. So what do you guys recommend? Something like an Dynaco ST-70? I really hate the way the stock unit looks so I'd probably go for one of the clones and build my own chassis. Instead of the Dynaco should I look at something commercial or Chinese and try and mod? One of the Jolida amps or something from those Music Angel guys? I have nothing against Chinese stuff, I've lived in Beijing for quite a while, so I'm open to any suggestions.

Anyway, I'd love to hear everyone's recommendations for how best to feed my habit.

Thanks!

[Ty_Bower]

Originally Posted by bigjppop

...but 18 watts really isn't going to swing 86 dB speakers. I think I'm going to need at least 35 watts to get where I want to be. So what do you guys recommend?

Doubling your power only buys you a few precious decibels. It's like the difference between the amp that goes to eleven, and the one that only goes to ten. Nigel won't ever be convinced, but it really isn't that much. If you're certain a pair of 6BQ5 won't be enough, you shouldn't settle for anything less than paralled push/pull KT88 per channel.

[rcavictim]

Originally Posted by Ty_Bower

Doubling your power only buys you a few precious decibels. It's like the difference between the amp that goes to eleven, and the one that only goes to ten. Nigel won't ever be convinced, but it really isn't that much. If you're certain a pair of 6BQ5 won't be enough, you shouldn't settle for anything less than paralled push/pull KT88 per channel.

Parallel push pull KT-88 per channel. Yes!

[bigjppop]

Any good kits out there with parallel push-pull KT-88s?

[aardvarkash10]

plenty of good ways to get a pair of 807's to mid 50W output. Cheaper that KTs too. George is your man for simple brutal big bore output on a budget... If 100w plus can be done with sweep tubes and g2 drive, he's in!

[bigjppop]

Originally Posted by aardvarkash10

plenty of good ways to get a pair of 807's to mid 50W output. Cheaper that KTs too. George is your man for simple brutal big bore output on a budget... If 100w plus can be done with sweep tubes and g2 drive, he's in!

Could what you're describing be done by a noobie?

[Gordy]

And if you get stuck the 'National Valve Museum' has this quaint 1000W design… if you can find the valves and transformers, and don’t mind the 3% distortion… MZ2-200 1kW Amplifier

Actually according to the MZ2-200 data sheet the amp can be scaled – less power (only 600W) at less distortion (1%) …

Good luck !

[aardvarkash10]

cool - so those low efficiency speakers ARE viable then...

[mikje]

I built a pair of 3CR-ti speakers (Parts Express DIY Project) and run them off an 18wpc P-P tube amp. Highly recommended! I love the sound. It's full, rich, images well, and is just plain enjoyable. It's also plenty loud. I listen to the likes of Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Il Divo, The Nylons, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Toby Mac, etc...
Just my 2 cents...
Mike

[boywonder]

How about a P-P KT88? In UL about 50-60W, and in triode about 25W-30W. 4 tubes total, and very do-able for a semi newbie, pretty much a modifed ST-70 or a MKIII clone. I'm hoping to try KT88's in my build of Poinz' EL34 Music machine once it's up and running.