Quote Originally Posted by Russnohio View Post
I'll start by saying that I have zero experience with tube amplifiers.....I'm really not even aware of makes & model numbers, and have done no real research as of yet. I'm currently running my Altecs on a Sansui G-9000 receiver and have no complaints about it. The sound is fabulous........and the receivers amp section has power to spare, and while the big solid-state Sansui is a keeper-for-life.....I do want to experience something different one day for the sake of variety.

A while back I was talking to a local gentleman that powered his system with a Threshold amplifier. I cannot exactly remember the model......I THINK it was the Stasis 500S. Now, my questions here are not spurred on by THAT.....but what he said to me when I mentioned the speakers I'm running are Altec 19:

"Oh....you REALLY need to run speakers like those on tubes......I'm tellin' ya....."

Interesting, because I've heard that a zillion times over the years and still have not pursued it. I suppose I could have just ask this guy the questions I had.....but did not. I just nodded my head in agreement and moved on.
So..... Here is what I'm wondering:





Much appreciated,
Russ
Can a tube amp be used with a solid-state pre-amp?
Of course.

Can a nice vintage tube amp be had for less than...say $700.00?
Yes, easily.

Are ALL tube amps low power as compared to solid state?
Generally. the more watts, the more dollars for tube amps.

(If so, how can a 15 wpc tube amp possibly run better with my Altecs than my 160 wpc Sansui?...in other words...not clip if driven loudly?)
15w would be the minimum I'd consider if you like to rock. Especially on materail with a lot of low end. 35w is just dandy!

Are replacement vacuum tubes readily available for vintage amps?
Pretty much. Either new or good vintage stuff.

Suggest some good makes........vintage vs. moderen?
I prefer good vintage. Heathkit made some really good ones. W1, W2, W5, W6, Harmon Kardon Citation I or II, Fisher integrateds, Scott integrated. Anything newer or new is going to cost a lot.


I'd be happy to hear some thought & opinions......not ready to shop just yet....just want to know what fellow Altec users think, and would I really have a massive improvement in sound over my wondeful solid-state G-9000?

Just what is it about tubes anyway?

Tube amps don't hard clip. They soft clip. So there is more aparrent useable power. And when they clip, you won't damage the speakers.

Where are you located?