Need Advice for First Tube Amp

[soiset]

I actively biamp (actually, triamp, if you count the sub) my 2-channel, and can set the gains independently at the crossover, so I figure I can get away with running a solid state amp for my mid-lows, and a tube amp for my tweeters. I'd appreciate some recommendations for a low power tube amp.

My speakers are PSB Stratus Bronze. I have bypassed the high-pass crossover, but left the "2.5" type crossover in place for the two woofers. That crossover allows one driver to see all frequencies, and cuts the other driver off at 200 Hz (high pass). I have a Velodyne ULD15-II with it's outboard amp and active crossover taking everything below 85 Hz. The active crossover is set at 2200 Hz, 24dB slope.

Current amps are a Rotel RB-981 with 130 wpc, and a 971 with 70 wpc. Clearly, 70 watts is at least 10 times what I need for my tweeters, and I figure I could sweeten up the sound a little farther with a good, low power, class A tube amp. The system sounds great right now, of course, but hey...

I might get a second active crossover, and bypass the low end crossover entirely, duplicating its 200 Hz high pass crossover for the second woofer. If I do that, I'll use the RB-981 for the full-range woofer, the RB-971 for the 200Hz-plus woofer, and a tube amp for the tweeters. Otherwise, I'll just use the 971 for the entire mid-low range, as the 971 is highly regarded, and I can't see why 70 wpc isn't enough for everything between 85 and 2200 Hz when actively crossed.

Anyway, suggest some tube amps, and, please, good used prices, 'cause I don't buy anything new.

[dorokusai]

Did buying different loudspeakers ever pop into your head?

[zingo]

This would be a great place to start:http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66886&highlight=tube

Although, Doro is right. That's a lot of work for a pair of speakers and you could get a pair of speakers that more fit your specs and needs.

[soiset]

The work on the speakers is done, unless I want to use a second crossover for the "half" part of the speaker, which basically is just a 200 Hz high-pass for one of the drivers. I've been extremely satisfied with the results of an active crossover, and any speakers that come from the factory as actives, besides pro audio speakers, are very expensive. So for a few hours work, and about $1300 (all used), I have an active 3-way system, complete with amps and crossovers, that sounds at least as good as anything I can hear in the local boutique audio shops.

The biggest improvement I could make now is to install some acoustic panels (diy) which I will do before too long. That actually is a good bit of work, though. A much easier improvement for the moment (and I'm just trying it to see if it actually would be) would be to use a tube amp in place of my solid state amp for my tweeters.

I'll check out that link. Thanks.