Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[decooney]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

Your present speakers will be fine. Play with different rectifiers and input tubes before you change speakers. Don't obsess. Enjoy the amp.

Thanks, will be nice if that is the case. I'm inquiring more so about output capability at lower volume levels than tonal sound characteristics.

While my larger V12R tube amp runs 50 watt strapped Triode or 100 watt Ultralinear mode to power my speakers well, I gather single-ended Triode with one of Dennis' KT150 Hot Rod amps can present something different. Cant' wait.

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by decooney

Thanks, will be nice if that is the case. I'm inquiring more so about output capability at lower volume levels than tonal sound characteristics.

While my larger V12R tube amp runs 50 watt strapped Triode or 100 watt Ultralinear mode to power my speakers well, I gather single-ended Triode with one of Dennis' KT150 Hot Rod amps can present something different. Cant' wait.

Like I said earlier, it's all in the listening triangle geometry. It is important to optimize the amp's best output instead of trying to fill a large room with low power. Near-field, or close, will provide that listening experience in all the amp's glory. Just my $0.02

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

Like I said earlier, it's all in the listening triangle geometry. It is important to optimize the amp's best output instead of trying to fill a large room with low power. Near-field, or close, will provide that listening experience in all the amp's glory. Just my $0.02

Agreed, but with 100+db speakers low watts can do it all.

[decooney]

just received word my KT150 Hot Rod S.E.T. amp build is close to being finished, and burn-in will occur over the weekend. Once I get it, the first test run will be with 91db speakers.

[Bombadil]

I would like to try KT150s in my high output Inspire. Mine is S.E.P., not S.E.T, as it was designed for maximum output. In my case it produces 17 wpc with KT88s. I do have a set of KT120s which I like very much. The deep bass is stronger and more defined than with any of my other tubes (KT88, EL34, 6CA7, KT77, 6L6CG).

Has Dennis said what the output power will be from it? I imagine around 9-10 wpc in SET mode. Which is a lot from a SET design.

I use mine with 91dB speakers too.

[doukhobar]

Hello All - if I told you that I've been reading this forum for 2 years and never posted, would you believe me? Well, it's true!

Anyway, I have a KT88 HO Inspire and LP2. The amp is the standard configuration with 6V6/6L6/6550, 6DJ8 and 5Y3/5U4g positions while the LP2 has dual 12AU7, 6CG7 and a 5Y3. I really enjoy this set up! Since owning this paid, I must confess I must have bought over $5,000 in tubes in the last 2 years to roll through them. It has proven an expensive habit/addiction, but this is was my first experience getting heavy into tube rolling.

There are a few posters here who's opinions I really agree on. It seems this amp just loves 6V6 tubes. I never got 6550/KT88 tubes to sounds great, at least to me, with this amp. I've run it with 3 pairs of speakers from 93-95dB including the Omega 3XRS, Omega Alnico Super XRS and Decware ERR all of which I own and know intimately.

My favorite tubes used are all NOS Visseaux 6V6 clear gloves, Mazda 6V6 GT, Belvu 6V6 GT with gold grids, and the Genalex Gold Lion KT66.

Regarding rectifiers, I have several GEC/Osram U52/5U4G that just never seemed to sound that special with this amp. Honestly, the best combo has been the 6V6 tubes above with the U50 rectifier. Please don't blow up my spot, but the U50 is a 5Y3 equivalent, as the U52 is the 5U4G equivalent, and it is just marvelous with classical and jazz. I have to say the Firebottle with the Omega Alnico towers is a great set up. Always have enough gain - never lacking for bass I feel 99% of the time, though I've considered adding an Omega sub into the mix. I've been listening to this amp/preamp nearly ever day for the past 2 years with these speakers and know it pretty well. In the input position, ince putting in a Telefunken E188CC, I've never wanted to take it out (though I've tried Amperex 6922 piched waist, Valvo CCA, etc). There is a really great synergy with the Omega speakers, that everyone here seems to agree on.

I've thought about upgrading the amp one day, but am not sure what the advantages are. I do not want to lsoe the ability to roll rectifiers - I still have alot of them and like to switch around when the mood strikes.

Lastly, in 2017 I moved from Washington DC to Charleston, SC so it seems I am really not that far from the Toy Factory. HAs an organized visit with other owners already been planned and taken place? Just some thoughts...

[doukhobar]

Lastly, the other amp I own/have owned are the Decware SE84CKC which was jsut magical, a Decware Taboo III and Decware Torii Jr which I just got last month and have displaced the Firebottle for now in my main system. It is a much better match with the Decware ERR radial speakers, which while rated 93dB seem to be more like 91dB.

[BearCityUSA]

Douk,

Welcome to the conversation.

Please post pics and dates of your Inspire equipment. Those sound remarkably similar to my KT and LP-2, though I have had them both modified/upgraded by DH since.

As to visiting Cary just contact Dennis and schedule a visit. He is most accommodating. Take your equipment and spend the afternoon. You will have a wonderful time.

Also, if you are ever up in Asheville feel free to contact me. My office is downtown and you can stop in for a listening session here as well. My PSE and LP-3a are now housed here though I do rotate.

Scott

[Bombadil]

Originally Posted by doukhobar

My favorite tubes used are all NOS Visseaux 6V6 clear gloves, Mazda 6V6 GT, Belvu 6V6 GT with gold grids, and the Genalex Gold Lion KT66.

This is interesting. In my Inspire amp, 6V6 tubes sound very different to my ear than the KT66. With the KT66 sounding less forward through the midrange and with more extended and detailed bass. My amp runs output tubes hard and in S.E.P. mode, which can make all the difference.

[decooney]

hunting tube friendly bookshelf size speakers for a 7-10 watt tube amp https://www.audioaficionado.org/show...093#post894093