Amplifier Pairing with Coherent 15s


Hello all,

About to finalize an order for a pair of Coherent 15s (yay!) and now I'm starting to look at possibilities for amplification for them. Since they are very efficient (I believe 106db efficiency), they can work well with flea amps+, so there's a wide range of possibilities.

I have a few criteria though: I would prefer an integrated amplifier vs separates/mono blocks, both for cost and space reasons, so something like AirTight is out (plus, a bit too expensive anyway). Looking around the $10k range at the higher end.

I don't listen to things super loud, and tend to prefer tube amplification. Music tends to lean majority Jazz, with some other things throw in here and there, but Jazz is the most important genre to get right.

Frank (from Coherent) recommended a couple -

Tektron Two 2A3/50S-i
Mastersound Compact 300B

Some others I've looked into:

Tektron Two 211-i
LTA ZOTL Ultralinear Integrated

I do have a few concerns with hand-crafted, more 'custom' made amps, especially by manufacturers overseas (I'm in the US) - mainly inability to demo them and ease of service/warranty. They also tend to be more difficult to sell in the case of deciding to go a different route, though this is of a lesser concern.

Anyone have any experience with any of these, have any other suggestions to explore, or any other comments?

 

128x128mmcgill829

Showing 9 responses by alexberger

Hi @mmcgill829 ,

My congratulations.

In any case new speakers need a long break in to sound their best. I liked model 18 at Montreal audio fest a lot. It is very interesting to listen these speakers at home. In any case I don’t have a budget for new speakers. So I will stay with my old Altecs 604E. I just finished my DIY 300B SET project. I have a good first impression from this amplifier. After 50 hours the sounds is changing all the time. I am watching when break in will be finished.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/isJsvYM3x7hDaput9

 

Hi @bjesien ,

I put a number of videos from the Montreal audio show on YouTube.

Just search: "Montréal Audiofest Coherent Audio", "THE EIGHTEEN Coherent Audio - Allnic Audio - Kuzma - Montreal Audio 2023"

It can give you some idea about how it sounds.

I heard Coherent 18 in Montreal show. They sound very easy and dynamic. In term of dynamics they more similar to old Altecs or Tannoy Silver and Gold from 50x-60x than to modern Tannoys. 

Coherent 15 should work well with  Aric Audio Super 300B, Allnic Audio T-1500 300B stereo, Coincident Frankenstein 300b monoblocs amplifier.

You don't need any of pentode push-pull amplifiers for these speakers. These amplifiers are more powerful but much less transparent and refined.

Hi @mmcgill829 

With model 18 2a3 has enough power if you listening room is not huge. 

300b amplifier is not better vs 2a3 but more chalanging to make it sound good. Because 300b is much more difficult to drive. If you don't need extra power 2a3 is better solution. 

Hi @bjesien ,

I heard both at Montreal audio show. But in different rooms.

I will not comment Devore. I think it was a bad match with amplifier. I liked Coherent model 18 a lot. I think this room was one of the best.

These speakers are so different in therm of sensitivity. Coherent with 300b integrated SET filled out 500 square feet room easily. Devore 0/96 were underpowered with another 300b SET in a small hotel room.

Hi @mmcgill829 ,

Yes. To my taste this room was the best on this show.

I liked this Coherent Model 18 room sound 2 years ago with the Allnic Audio T-1500 integrated 300B SET. A year ago Model 18 was drived by Allnic Audio monoblocs. It still sounded good, but I liked the more warmish sound with the Allnic Audio T-1500.

 

I double checked.

On Montreal show last year Allnic Audio M-2500 monoblock power amplifiers derived Coherent model18 speakers.