Bob,
Can this also be assumed about my Soliloquys?
I have the 6.3's, which are floor standers, and 90dB efficient. They're said to be tube friendly, and have wattage needs of 10w -> 400w
I'm presently driving them with the Plinius 175w SS amp, which makes them sing at the first perceptible watt. They sound gorgeous at that point.
What I've been theorizing about, is purchasing a DIY tube kit; either the Dynaco st-70 kit, or, the Dynaco st-120 kit, both from Bob Latino.
They are both based on all new parts, and a stainless chassis (the originals were chromed steel).
I'm totally comfortable in my soldering skills, and am not slightly intimidated in building my own amp (actually excited about it).
Given this, would I be better having more wattage from tubes, such as the 120w/60w-side?
The cost diff between the st-70 kit and the st-120 kit is not that far apart, with the bulk$ of the purchase being the expense of the stainless chassis.
My gut tells me more is better, but I do not know tubes, so I thank you, or anyone for the mentoring.
Remember that this is just one man's opinion...
The Soliloquys are just a tad more efficient than the VR-1's which, due in part to their smaller size, like a bit more power.
I think that the difference between an ST-70 and ST-120 amp would be more of versatility and preference of sound.
6550s are cleaner, punchier, and 6L6's sweeter, warmer as a rule, depending on what tubes you roll in.
Do not be misled, an ST-70 will gleefully power the VR-1s or Soliloquys in most household rooms.
35 tube watts per channel is formidable.
There are some speakers that will make the ST-70 seems anemic, and first to come to mind was the early Bose ceiling-hanger-jobber, was it a 901?
An ST-120 will sound less "tubey", but will be there for bigger spaces and future (outlandish) speaker purchases. An ST-70 is sweet and well-loved by many tube gurus.
BTW, I am using a powered sub with the VR-1s, which takes a big load off the amp anyhow.
A sidenote:
There are some used Prima Lunas and JoLidas out there in the price range of those Dynaclones.
The Dyna circuits are well covered on the 'Net and their parts may live-on forever.
If they follow the Dyna/Heathkit style, they shouldn't be all too hard to assemble.
Any time someone tells me that they are digging in to a tube chassis I always remind them of this:
Disclaimer: Vacuum tube circuits operate at high voltages. Contact with circuit components or wiring may cause serious injury or death.
High voltages may remain present in tube equipment for a long time, even if the circuit is turned off or disconnected from the mains voltage. Do not attempt to repair or build vacuum tube circuits unless you fully understand the safety principles and possess the technical craft required for dealing with high voltage mains-operated equipment.
I can't find any good tube safety links on the web this morning, but they would be well posted in this thread for posterity...
Topic: desktop t00bes (Read 15104 times)