Anthem,

Thanks, just noticed that's a pre-amp. I think a tubed pre-amp with the XPA amps would be a great place to start. I've considered trying the ZBOX for my fronts. My XSP-1 has a processor loop. Unless I'm mistaken, I could run through the ZBOX to implement tube sound. At some point, I may try to borrow a 2-channel tubed pre-amp to compare in my system. You are correct, there are a lot of choices! Thank you.

Cheers,

T Cobe

I use the T1's for a music only two channel system and the tubes are KT88's. The ST-120 is capable of using KT-120's though. That's a passive preamp by the way and there's still plenty of db.

I have 3 T2's behind an AT screen in the HT, driven by XPA-5. I'm not sure how I'd feel about tubes in the HT? I guess the answer lies in the fact that I'm hesitant to haul the amp up there to try it! It's not that I'd worry about it being powerful enough to keep up but more on the heat and fragility of the tubes. The thing gets very hot and I wouldn't want to put it in the rack. Then again, the tubes are relatively cheap.

When I first got the Torri I put it in a rack, and almost burned down the house. Now I have it sitting on the top shelf with nothing overhead. Does the Torri get hot...in the winter we turn off the central heat and use the Torri. I'm using KT66'S and Philips 5R4GY's rectifiers...beautiful sound.

anthem wrote: When I first got the Torri I put it in a rack, and almost burned down the house. Now I have it sitting on the top shelf with nothing overhead. Does the Torri get hot...in the winter we turn off the central heat and use the Torri. I'm using KT66'S and Philips 5R4GY's rectifiers...beautiful sound.

I get it! I keep the two channel in a home office. If you look at my avatar, that "dot" to the left of the center picture is the thermostat for whole downstairs. In the winter, my wife is always asking why it's so cold. I show her the thermostat and sure enough, it's toasty warm normal!!

Hey Guys, DGA and all, this is an interesting discussion.
I have written before of my difficulties integrating a tube amp into my home theater. So I won't repeat myself here.
I don't think tube power amps should be ruled out for home theaters, but heat, induced distortion, etc. made it rough for me too.
That is why I keep my tubes either in the pre-amp, or for me, in the input circuitry in my hybrid power amps. And they are protected
by a case from all the strong air waves/vibrations going around in the room.
DGA, I would love to hear those 3 Triton 2s across the front of your theater!!!! That must sound awesome.
Have fun with it boys!!!!
God Bless,
Wayne

Sound great choices are:

Hegel h300 and H160 both sound amazing with the Triton ones, but very neutral with only a hint of warmth.
Rogue Pharaoh sounds similar with more warmth, especially if you throw in a couple of Mullard tubes.
If you want all tubes, Cronus Magnum is amazing if on a budget, but lacks the bass control of the Pharaoh and Hegel.

All of the above choices best the Emotiva (by a mile) and offer true HIFI sound, Hegel has an on board DAC, (which is ridiculously good)
the others do not, so something to consider.

TJ

Authorized Rogue dealer and custom installer