Lots of great singers mentioned; you can't go wrong with any of them. I'm going to go in a different direction based on my recent experience.
My speakers are relatively high efficiency (96 dB single driver)
and I thought that 300b or EL-34 SET amps would be sufficient in my 14 x 24' room, especially since I don't listen to symphonic music or at high volumes. I have an active bi-amp system with 200 wpc class D power driving dual 10" woofers on each channel, but I still heard some hardness creeping in when I moved the volume up a little that I interpreted as distortion. I decided to pay heed to the comments that suggested that amps that low in output were best paired with a true high eff speaker of 100 dB or more. I can't afford 100 dB speakers like the Audio Classics, so I went to a bigger amp, a 30 watt OTL. My concern about giving up the EL-34 SET's mid-range magic was unfounded. In fact, it was the opposite. The vocals, female or male, are truly goose-bump raising. A quantum leap in SQ. Pretty much no matter what I've put on, I've been stunned. Even my long-suffering wife is impressed. I'm not talking about an amp you need a second mortgage to afford. I spent well under $3K used and I couldn't be happier. PM me if you want a good deal on an SET; I don't think I am going back.
- ...
- 321 posts total
- 321 posts total