Suggested tube amplifier to pair with Stellar Gold pre-amp

Audio Components
1

Hello - look for suggestions on a tube amplifier to pair with my Stellar Gold pre-amplifier.

Thanks

2

Price range and power need to drive what speakers.

3

I have been very satisfied with Stellar gold pre feeding M700 driving FR20’s. I know they are not tube but my 1/5dime (no more Pennie’s) is that synergy should be factor number 1, especially with having some gear from PS Audio. After all, how many times does Paul indicate that sound testing drives their engineering directions. I’m pretty sure they don’t test a new amp design by hooking it up to a McIntosh pre amp.

4

As @dawkinsj mentions, a little more context would help us help you. If you have 95db sensitive speakers we could recommend a low wattage tube amp. If you have Magnepan LRS+ speakers, for instance (a speaker that is not easy to drive), you would need a lot more power.

5

Thanks everyone…Speakers are Van L Speakerworks Quartets.

Efficiency 90db, 8 ohms, freq. response 45-30 kHz +/- 3db

All suggestions are welcome. Looking to pair my Stellar Gold pre-amplifier with a tube power amplifier. Price range on tube amp is $2500 - $5000.

6

In your price range for new I would look at the Erhard Audio Elvis. 60wpc with KT-88’s and your choice of SE or XLR inputs as well as your choice of wood and top plate finish. I have a friend that bought one recently and loves it. I intend to buy one later in the year but for now I am already waiting for a custom order preamp to be built.

7

There is a used PrimaLuna EVO 400 tube amp available at the music room.

8

If you act fast you can score this amp which would be excellent for your purposes:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650305345-decware-zen-mystery-amp-plus-extras/

I have been using Decware amps since 1997 and I think they are excellent.

9

In terms of tube amp, BAT VK75se was still one of my favorites. A used one will probably fall into your price range.

I used to own VK150 monoblocks, I still miss its additive midrange and huge soundstage, but I could not take the heat anymore.

10

hello - any thoughts on the M1200 working with my Van L Speakerworks Quartets. Efficiency 90db, 8 ohms, freq. response 45-30 kHz +/- 3db

My thought is that I may find some of the warmer tube sounds in the M1200. Just not sure if the power of these amps would be to much for my speakers,

Thanks

11

If I was looking to try a Class D amp with the ability to try it out with a return policy it would be the Orchard Audio Starkrimson 25 monos. Less than half the price, newer technology, smaller form factor and the ability to purchase it with or without the optional op amp buffer upgrade.

I’ve owned a pair since June of last year. I’ve run them with both SS and tube preamps.