Do I want a valve amp?

[v-600]

I am toying with the idea of buying a valve amp to drive stereo speakers. I like the look of them and the idea of one but the cost is typically high so am trying to weigh up the pros and cons of getting one.

The main issue that concerns me is that I will typically be streaming music to them or playing from compressed music files....so do I need a nice shiny analogue amp.

I would welcome any advice from people who have them on what to look for and whether they feel their worth it.
Alternatively any other suggestions to what I could use instead.

 

[sdifox]

why? Is it purely for the looks?

 

[nsafreak]

You are streaming lossy audio to them, I would have to say that since your source isn't the greatest why spend the bucks on a valve amplifier? For that matter you haven't stated what speakers you're trying to drive so no matter what the amp you're getting it might be wasted on them.

 

[v-600]

The speakers will probably be a pair of KEF Q300's or a pair of JBL's I have already (the kefs then going to replace them as part of a surround setup). It's not purely for the looks, but I have to admit that plays a part.

I had a listen to a friends who had a turntable hooked up to his, sounding very swish indeed. As I mentioned it's not so much need as want and am umming and ahhing trying to justify the price.

 

[Howard]

No.

 

[sdifox]

The speakers will probably be a pair of KEF Q300's or a pair of JBL's I have already (the kefs then going to replace them as part of a surround setup). It's not purely for the looks, but I have to admit that plays a part.

I had a listen to a friends who had a turntable hooked up to his, sounding very swish indeed. As I mentioned it's not so much need as want and am umming and ahhing trying to justify the price.

don't bother then. Tubes have low output so you need high efficiency speakers.

 

[JSt0rm]

if you want to look cool grab some of these

http://www.funklogic.com/