inexpensive pro amp - yes, yes, yes
I would recommend you check out the older Yamahas (PC2002M, PC2602, etc) or Carver (PM 175,PM350, PM700). I've had exellent luck with both. I drive my L250's with a PC2002M and my home theater sub with a (bridged) PM175. Others here could recommend similar QCS or Crown units I'm sure....
I'd say that in general, a good used pro amp will deliver everything you're looking for at 1/10 the price of an "audiophile" amplifier. They are built tough and they will likely last a lifetime if well cared for.
jblnut
McIntosh Solid State with output transformers
It's an interesting suggestion. I use the MC2200 to drive my Jubals. It's a very musical amp. I can listen to it for hours while working at the computer, etc, but I know if a plug in my Audio Research VT60 I will stop work and go sit in the sweet spot for who knows how long.
It is one of the second generation of McIntosh sand amps which have output transformers. The company used to tout them as a method of protecting speakers from solid states amps that can get into thermal runaway, which McIntosh rarely do if ever, but I think they also contribute to the smoothness of sound because they tend to smooth the load impedance. What is sacrificed is the super low output impedance that transformerless amps can have. The damping ratio is rated at 16 to 30 depending on the output tap used. It seems to give solid, competent bass, but tight or punchy I can't really judge because I use a classic tube preamp which I know is a little soft.
Before I got this amp I used the MC250, which is first generation solid state, also with transformers, for years. The MC2200 is a clear improvement. There is a smaller amp of the same generation called, I think, the MC2125, which you may find more appropriate. With a 10 watt SE amp on top you may not be driving the midrange and treble to a level that would require full power on the lows. Still the reserve power never hurts.
Regards,
David
Matching tube and solid state amps
"One thing that still concerns me is a possible discontinuity in response if the output impedances of the bass and treble amps is very different. Do folks have experience using solid state on the bass crossing over to SET on the treble at around 300 Hz? Does adjustment of overall level of the amps give you enough control to make the transition seamless?"
Ken:
I don't know if anyone else can answer these questions for you, and you may be at the point when it's time to start trying things if you can get your hands on some amps. As for trying to predict a match based on some technical description of an amp--I'm doubtful. On that basis you might choose a McIntosh amp with output transformers because it has a damping factor that is close to that of a lot of tube amps. But the result may not be as you predict.
I would pay more attention to what people have to say about the sonic character of the amps they have experience with. If what you like about your tube amps is their detailed, life-like presentation, then you would want to look for the same qualities in a bass amp, no matter how it is achieved technically. I think in a bass amp these qualities are achieved with high damping factor and high current capability and I would go so far as to make a specific recommendation within your power requirements, and that is the Crown D150 which you can get for about $200, plus or minus $30-40. A lot of people on this forum will say that is too small, and if you agree with them, go for the Crown D300 for about $100 more. I'm sure there are many other suitable amps; these are the ones I'm familiar with.
As I've said, I use the early McIntosh solid state amps myself, but frankly, I see them only as a decent compromise for full range.
Scott:
"BTW, SpeakerDave, I thought about getting an Audio Research to run my tweeters! They are nice sounding amps!"
Yes, they are very fine, although this particular one I have, the VT60, I wouldn't work very hard into a 4 ohm load. The thing that impresses me, though, is that these JBL speakers can play that song too, besides all the heavy lifting they can do in other applications, and it sounds like Ken is finding that they can go to the SET zone as well.
Regards,
David