Amp to drive PSB Goldi ??


Am interested in a good amp to drive the PSB Goldi. Considering these used amps: 1. B&K 4420 225 Watt/Ch approx $600.00 2. NAD 218THX 225 Watt/Ch $570.00 3. Bryston 4B-ST $1800.00 4. Odesyee Stratus $900.00 Am using a B&K PT-3 preamp/tuner and was thinking that the B&K amp would somehow match better??? Anyway, I need help! Thanks
kevin_haskinsc35d

Showing 3 responses by trelja

There is one word you need to keep in mind above all others with this speaker, CURRENT. Most people have NO idea how difficult a load this speaker actually presents. That means big solid state, which you understand. Tube amps need not apply. In my opinion, the best match(price/performance) in your list for this speaker is the NAD. NAD amps have no problems driving extremely difficult loads, and going into WAYY low impedences. At your higher price level, I would suggest one amplifier that makes a very synergistic match with the Goldi, the Carver Lightstar or Sunfire by Bob Carver(same amp under their skins). They drive the heck out of the Goldi. You will not be disappointed. Also add McCormack to the Bryston price level, but the Sunfire/Lightstar are DEFINITELY the best amps in your price range. If you have not yet purchased the speakers, I can put you in contact with a guy who sells them new for what most sell them for used.
TM12, if you read me on this site, one thing you know is that I am a tube freak. That being said, not all equipment is good with all equipment. PSB Goldi speakers are difficult to drive. They are not tube friendly. That is an objective statement. It has nothing to do with them being a good design, or a poor design. They are just a 4 ohm load(many drivers are 4 ohm), and dip even lower in the lower frequencies, and also exhibit a pretty high phase angle. Getting away from simple(1st order) crossovers further burdens an amp. Some feel the paybacks are sonically worth it. In reality, Paul S. Barton(PSB), the designer and owner of the company is one of the best loudspeaker designers in the business(just look at all of his critically acclaimed designs). He is at the forefront of the Canadian loudspeaker phalanx, who have taken advantage of the National Testing Laboratory to develop themselves into some of the world's best speaker companies. In addition to PSB, there are Paradigm, Energy, and Coincident(which you and I both own), etc. Other PSB speakers are tube friendly(particularly their cheaper products). Easy to drive speakers can do things PSB cannot, AND vice versa. Listen to Goldi with the right ancillary equipment, and you may agree that they are a wonderful product. Kevin_Haskins, the dealer is in my area(Philadelphia, PA suburbs), and sells demos for about $1700. With some negotiation, I know you can do better, or even do well on a virgin pair.
Tm12, thanks for the response. I own Coincident Loudspeaker Technology Digital Master/Troubass subwoofers. Basically, they are like Wilson WATT/Puppies, but ala Coincident. As you are very familiar with the brand, you know what that means. Easy to drive(high sensitivity/impedence) and easy to listen to. I looked at speakers for about two years, when I heard them, I bought them. They were THAT good! The only speaker in the two years I looked that gave me an emotional response. Three years later, I am still in love. And still haven't heard anything better. This model was not very well known, but was their flagship in the days when they were making unusual cabinet designs. The problem was, as the company grew, the demand for their speakers grew. These designs were murder to build(according to Coincident). As you know, the cabinets of the new models are conventional. But, I think everything Israel Blume builds is a winner. I am correct in believing you have one of the Conquest iterations? I am sure you love them! Maybe we can converse on Coincident further... By the way, I used to sell PSB speakers. I always felt they sounded great, provided you were able to drive them.