It's well documented in these forums how much I _hate_ tubes

I would try to use the ST-70 for your front mains regardless of if you're doing HT or plain stereo. You can probably get away with it fine with your efficient speakers. Might give it a try. I wouldn't feel like you need to spend a furtune on a tube preamp. The power amps alone may give all the magic you need

I have a 60 watt amp that drives my woofers (15") and a SET with ••GASP•• 5 watts (yes, FIVE) that drives my high frequency horns. I wouldn't recommend a five watt amp for your woofers (though the time I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised) but with sensitivity of 106db/watt for the HF horns, I doubt that I'm even cracking _one_ of those mighty five watts.

I bet your ST-70 will do fine: you might even try it un-modded. It's no slouch in stock form.

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited January 20, 2003).]