2. speakers
  3. 174265-18279

Anyone pairing Cornwall IVs with solid state amplification to good results?

Because I have an obsessive need to try out all sorts of gear, I paired my Cornwall IVs with a nice Marantz PM KI Ruby integrated.  What surprised me was I actually liked a Class D design at a "reasonable price" and the resulting sound is more than livable.  It's a great pairing. 

There's little chance I sell off my tube museum of gear and valves, but this experiment was a pleasant surprise.  I have now tried them with push pull EL 34, KT88/KT120, KT150, 300 B, and Class A solid state, and Class D solid state. 

Any of you out there in hifi land using a solid state amplifier with Cornwall IVs or a horn loaded speaker to great effect?   I am appreciative to hear your experience. 

jbhiller

Showing 2 responses by coachpoconnor

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
382 posts
 

I had been using a Pass XA25 until I received the First Watt SIT 3. I think this is  great combo. It’s so organic and seemingly built around a lush mid Range. The Bass isn’t bad either…it’s very ballsy, not near as fast as the Pass, but still hard hitting. I’ve been obsessed with listening to Eric Clapton’s unplugged and Lady in the balcony. It’s beautiful.

Upstream is a Coincident Statement and a BorderPatrol SEi. Upstream a blusound node 2i, probably the next upgrade.

if your into clean and clinical, this ain’t your thing, but you wouldn’t have Klipsch speakers either. It’s just lush and gorgeous. I’m addicted

 

 

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
382 posts
 

Jbhiller-

In another 30 days, I'll reinstall the Pass XA-25 and make a final evaluation, but as I feel right now, the sound of the SIT-3 is more "tubey", and definitely my favorite. The First Watt F-8 would be another outstanding choice.

As to the Bluesound Node 2i, I was meaning to say, it's on the way out. The weakest link in my system. My Bluesound 2i might make its way upstairs or the Golf Course Pro Shop.

More to discover