Does anyone run tubes with D3?
 

Does anyone here run tube amplification with the D3?

If so which amplifier?

Bet a pair of the Audio Research Reference 250's would sound awesome!

Joey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!! :D

Yes, my dealer used a Ref 75 and Galileo 75 integrated with them and they work nicely. You guys are probably going to think I'm nut but with my 804 D3s I use a Leben CS300XS and Grommes Phi-26 with 1.8 watts of bone crushing triode power. It works amazingly well.

Wow, even my line stage is capable of more power than that.

Not looking to replace the Boulder, but looking to test out some SET amps with the D3. Maybe cary 805ae?

That will definitely sound very different to the Boulder, but not just because it's a SET. Beware the high output impedance, especially if there's no 4 ohm tap available, when driving the D3's. You can end up with a skewed frequency response due to the speaker's impedance variations through the mid and treble range, which can make some speakers sound a bit squawky.

There is a way around the problem but it involves getting someone to design and build a correction network (RLC) that you can connect to the output terminals of the amplifier - in parallel with the speaker. In the case of the 802D3 you should be able to correct above 300 Hz with a simple R-L-C.

I have had great results with Audio Research GS150 with my 802D3. Also had great results with Ref 75SE. The latter are a great deal on the used market.

Yes, yes, yes. I drive the 800D3 with a pair of McIntosh MC275 (150 watts per channel) and I also drive them with a pair of Cary Audio 805AE (50 watts per channel) with great success. My room size is 29ft by 14ft. I have never wanted any more power when playing any of the two tube amplifiers. Wonderful, big sound stage with either of the amplifies.