2. amps-preamps
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CAT or VAC for Shahinian Obelsik

I'd like to refute that prevailing wisdom that Shahinian speakers need high powered solid state amps and find a tube amp to drive my Obelisks. I was first considering the new VAC 160 Standard musicblocs - 160w per side using 4 KT88s. I've since found a possible deal on a CAT JL2 - my sense is the CAT would drive the Shahinians pretty well. Even though the CAT is rated at 100w I suspect it's a pretty imperturbable 100w. I'm leaning towards the CAT - seems like it would be a "last amp" purchase (actually very likely in this case). Any wisdom from the CAT and/or Shahinian experienced? System is Calypso, Modwright 3910, will have analog soon.
Thanks
samcclark

Showing 2 responses by hassel

hassel
248 posts
 
OK, I have read a little bit about the CAT now, and this indeed seems to be a special kind of beast. Let us know how it turns out sound-wise. Another tidbit of my experience, however: The Obelisk is very sensitive to a good speaker cable. What do you use so far?
hassel
248 posts
 
Sam,
as a fellow owner of both Obelisks and Diapasons, let me say a word of caution. I have found that the advice to use powerful SS amps, which can deliver a lot of current, to be correct, especially with the Obelisks. In my experience only SS like Densen, Naim or Plinius gets the Obelisks to deliver the strong, well defined bass they are capable of. A friend of mine, who lived in the same house and has Obelisks as well, bought a tupe amp which delivered close to 100 watts - it coul d not cope with the Obelisks. Nor could the McIntosh MA6500 integrated I first used. So be careful and make sure you have listened at least to one of the recommended combinations before you settle on a tube amp. Over on
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shahinianspeakerowners/
you may do a little search, the subject was discussed at lenght there.
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