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Message started by Brian Jones on 03/01/22 at 20:22:30

Title: Hello All
Post by Brian Jones on 03/01/22 at 20:22:30

I've been wanting to purchase a tube amp for some time, but I don't know enough about them technically to decide on a model. Could you help me determine which of your amps would be the best choice for me?

I'll be using the amp in a smaller room setting (bedroom) sitting about 6-10 feet from the speakers.

My current speakers are bookshelf Canton Karat 930 DC (impedance: 4-8 ohms; 9-inch woofer & 1-inch tweeter; bass reflex; nominal power handling 85 watts; music power handling 120 watts). I can't find any mention of dB in the owners manual for these speakers.

I looked at the models on your website and think that either the ZEN Triode SE341.2+ or the ZEN MINI TORii SE would suit my needs, but I really don't understand the differences. As there seem to be a lot of differences between these two amps, could you advise me on what some of these differences might mean to me?

For either of these amps, would it be advisable for me to also get a separate pre-amp?

Does the type of cartridge in the turntable matter to a tube amp?

Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Hello All
Post by Archie on 03/01/22 at 20:30:01

Quote:

Does the type of cartridge in the turntable matter to a tube amp?

I think this comes into play only with respect to the output of the cartridge and the gain of your phono stage. You'll want to check the amp specs to see how many input volts it takes to reach full power. Steve's amps vary and your cart/phonostage may play well with a 1 volt amp but might need a boost for a 2 volt amp. That generally means the addition of a gain stage between the phono stage and the amp.

Title: Re: Hello All
Post by Dr3wman on 03/01/22 at 22:44:31

Brian -

Do you have a budget in mind?

Title: Re: Hello All
Post by HockessinKid on 03/01/22 at 23:16:53

Brian,

Steve offers a lot of information on this website regarding selecting amplifiers and matching it with speakers. There are also valuable insights offered on the forum, just check out threads under each of the amplifier categories.

Here are a couple of useful pages for you to review:

https://www.decware.com/newsite/buyingguide.html

https://www.decware.com/paper43.htm

My best advice is that regardless of the amplier you choose make sure it will drive your speakers to desired listening levels, given your music preferences. Also read as many of Steve's papers as you can for his invaluable insights.

HK