Acoustic Zen Crescendo

I would love to hear what we Cresendo owners use for amps? I use two amps. A high,y modified Cary Rocket 88r tube amp and a Lyngdorf 2170.  I think they like power more than some think? What are you using?

Sorry to hear that sksos1. Does the M60 really have the power reserves needed for this speaker? 

Curious as to why you use the Zero's with the Atma amps? My experience with the Zero's was not good finding they really messed with the sound. 

I have tried several amps and thus far the Lyngdorf is the best. It puts out some 100 watts and sometimes I sense the Cresendos would be very happy with more quality watts. I have two tube amps I have used that both sound great, but in the end sound a little strained at higher volumes and in the bass. 

The Cary Rocket88r puts out 60 watts and with the mods are high quality watts. Same with a set of very good Legend Triode amps from Von Gaylord. My room is very large 36x22 with 12 foot ceilings. 

I am curious if folks have tried powerful Class D amps with the Cresendo? Merrill is a good example I think? In what areas did the Merrills shine compared the the M60's? 

Wig, my mistake. Your 508 LM is a much more expensive amp that I bet is amazing.  Seems it is also out of my reach. However, congrats on the combo as I am sure it is amazing sounding. 

I am aware of that Mapman and that is why I am wondering why they were used with the Cresendos are they are 6ohm speakers with steady impedance and tube amp friendly. I suppose OTL amps like 16 ohm loads and perhaps this is the reason? 

The LM amp has always interested me, but at 22 watts it would seem not to offer enough power based on my current experiences. The Cresendos certainly take the power and in my room seems to want more than 60 watts. I fully understand watts are not watts and one 60 watt amp can drive my speaker better than other 60 watt amp etc... 

The  Cary Rocket  88r offers 30 watts Triode and 60 in Ultralinear mode. The Cresendos need the 60 Ultra mode watts for sure in my room. 

The LM518 is a 22 watt 845 amp for around $5000.  That was the one I thought Wig had. His 508 is an 805 tube based amp that shows an $18,000 price. Nice amp for sure and most likely enough power for me, but the cost 😢 

Charles, I would love those Triode amps, but their weight, size, and cost are just out of my league! :) The combo sounds amazing at shows. 

Wig, I thought the LM amp was only 22 watts? I will look those up again. 

Reasonable for sure.  Audioshark listed the price wrong a thread I was reading....

Thanks for the comments guys. Sksos, I used the Zeros for the same exact reason which suggests to me you wanted better bass, volume, and dynamics with the M60 rated at 60 watts. That is my current issue with tube amps rated at 60 watts with the Crescendos. I am missing last last bit of refinement and control at higher volumes. This is not to say the sound is not beautiful, as it is, however better control at higher volumes is a nice to have also.

Wig, one final question. How large is your room and at what volume do you listen when off the leash? Thanks again. Remember, my room is very large as mentioned above. When off the leach I measure sound levels at 90 - 92 db weighted slow C range. 

Well put Charles. 

Charles and mapman I have always appreciated both of your contributions to this site. Good stuff!

I enjoy more than one house sound as no speaker/amp combo does everything perfectly .... at least to my liking. There are always trade offs as we know. That is why I will always own at least one tube amp and one SS amp to run my speakers. I go back and forth and enjoy each for a season before switching.

I will always own a tube amp as I love them aesthetically, emotionally, and sonically. I love the SET tube sound, but in the end find them limiting on the speakers I have owned over the years. Not limiting in terms of musicality, emotion, or tone. However they don’t provide the same scale, foundation, and sense of utter ease and control at high volumes. At least not at the level of high quality SS watts. Trade offs and the reason I will always own two different amps. This is only my opinion and experience. No, I have not experienced enough combinations to say my current opinion is truth for all. Also, as you both have said there is no truth in this world of subjectivity.

I bet a 45-50 watt SET tube amp is in my future to enjoy!