Hybrid Tube Amps - Blu-ray Forum

jsr · 08-22-2012, 10:23 PM

Browsing the web, the EMP VT40-2 hybrid tube amp caught my interest. I know there are some very pricey class A operation tube amps and hybrid tube amps around, what brands of class A/B operation hybrid tube amps area available (like the EMP one)?
I'm not looking for a class A amp, so the more efficient class A/B topology is more my interest. I'd like to see what other offerings there are and hoping you guys may have more insight to what's available for comparable price to the EMP unit.

Thanks.

callas01 · 08-22-2012, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsr

Browsing the web, the EMP VT40-2 hybrid tube amp caught my interest. I know there are some very pricey class A operation tube amps and hybrid tube amps around, what brands of class A/B operation hybrid tube amps area available (like the EMP one)?
I'm not looking for a class A amp, so the more efficient class A/B topology is more my interest. I'd like to see what other offerings there are and hoping you guys may have more insight to what's available for comparable price to the EMP unit.

Thanks.

you might check jolida, not sure their whole setup, but I thought they were class a up to a certian number of watts, then a/b after... however youd want to look to be sure.

also, Peachtree, I think they have some that are hybird class D tube amps..

jsr · 08-23-2012, 04:23 AM

Thanks callas. Looks like Peachtrees are pretty pricey. The Jolidas are lower price, but both hide the tubes. One of the reasons I like tube amps is seeing the tubes glow.

IF I were get a hybrid tube amp, I'd like to keep the cost below $500, which eliminates both Peachtrees and Jolidas it seems. I found a lot of tube amps on ebay, mostly from chinese/taiwanese mfrs, but it's hard to tell when they're true tube amps or a hybrid since they chinese sellers don't often distinguish between the two in their descriptions. I'm going mostly by the efficiency to make the distinction as tube amps have horrid efficiency being true class As.

I'm not sure how much of an audible difference there is just using a class A tube pre-amp stage and still use a solid state power amp. I'd like to try one, but can't afford to buy one just to play with.

I like the EMP VT40.2 as it has a nice combination of size (small), aesthetics, output power and price. I'm looking for other options similar to the EMP.

I guess my requirements would be:
Small (less than a square foot)
Exposed tubes
At least 30W/ch (and ~50% efficiency, which seems to be common for a hybrid tube/transistor amp)
Less than $500

Any ideas are appreciated.

callas01 · 08-23-2012, 04:46 AM

the jolida 102 is 25w/ch and is $775 new, its a class AB amp

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13635-j...-tube-amp.aspx

maybe you can find a demo or used one.

08-22-2012, 10:23 PM	#1
jsr Active Member Member since:Jun 2011	Hybrid Tube Amps Browsing the web, the EMP VT40-2 hybrid tube amp caught my interest. I know there are some very pricey class A operation tube amps and hybrid tube amps around, what brands of class A/B operation hybrid tube amps area available (like the EMP one)? I'm not looking for a class A amp, so the more efficient class A/B topology is more my interest. I'd like to see what other offerings there are and hoping you guys may have more insight to what's available for comparable price to the EMP unit. Thanks.

08-23-2012, 04:46 AM	#4
callas01 Blu-ray Duke Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:188 DVD collection:45 Hardware reviews:17	the jolida 102 is 25w/ch and is $775 new, its a class AB amp http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13635-j...-tube-amp.aspx maybe you can find a demo or used one. Video: Panasonic 55" P55ST50, Oppo BDP-103 Amplification: Integra DTR-40.2, Naim Nait 5i-2 Integrated, Jolida FX Tube DAC Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 160s, Excite X22 Center, DM 2/6 Subwoofer: eD A2-300, Auralex Subriser Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut III, Sumiko Pearl Cart, Bellari VP130 Tube phono Bedroom: Samsung LNT-4061 40" LCD, Sony BDP-360, XBox 360 Girls room: Vizio 32" VX32L, Sony Upconverting DVD player Boys room: Samsung 32" LN32B360, Panasonic BD-35k

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08-23-2012, 04:23 AM	#3
jsr Active Member Member since:Jun 2011	Thanks callas. Looks like Peachtrees are pretty pricey. The Jolidas are lower price, but both hide the tubes. One of the reasons I like tube amps is seeing the tubes glow. IF I were get a hybrid tube amp, I'd like to keep the cost below $500, which eliminates both Peachtrees and Jolidas it seems. I found a lot of tube amps on ebay, mostly from chinese/taiwanese mfrs, but it's hard to tell when they're true tube amps or a hybrid since they chinese sellers don't often distinguish between the two in their descriptions. I'm going mostly by the efficiency to make the distinction as tube amps have horrid efficiency being true class As. I'm not sure how much of an audible difference there is just using a class A tube pre-amp stage and still use a solid state power amp. I'd like to try one, but can't afford to buy one just to play with. I like the EMP VT40.2 as it has a nice combination of size (small), aesthetics, output power and price. I'm looking for other options similar to the EMP. I guess my requirements would be: Small (less than a square foot) Exposed tubes At least 30W/ch (and ~50% efficiency, which seems to be common for a hybrid tube/transistor amp) Less than $500 Any ideas are appreciated.