2. amps-preamps
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Help with amplifier choice

I really like my speakers, Montana XP and the amps that I have tried are W4S ST1000, Cary 500MB and Cary SLI-80. The W4S and Cary 500 were very similar with the "nod" going to the Cary 500MB, but the SLI-80 sounds the best of the 3. I only wonder if the SLI-80 which I prefer in triode mode (40 WPC) is enough power for such a large, multi driver, steep crossover speaker as the XP is. (92 db/W 4 Ohms). So I have been thinking of other amps like ARC, Pass, Modwright, Ayre, other Cary tube amps, and on and on. Thankfully I'm not an impulsive buyer or I would have 10 amps by now.

Can anyone guide me through this jungle of amps? At the least I would like to determine SS vs. tube. My room is large (35x22x10, a very open floorplan) I lean towards a SS for convienence, but I like the sound of the SLI-80 the best of those 3. I'm kind of stuck here and would absorb all and any comments to help me edit my choices. I live in Florida so I would like to avoid "room heater amps", Thanks
koestner

Showing 1 response by robsker

robsker
132 posts
 
I have a pair of Montana EpS2 speakers --- listen to Jazz and vocals and sit 9-10 feet away --- and I use an Ayon Spirit 2 tube amp played in triode mode all the time at ca. 35 watts. And....

It is wonderful. Plenty of power. Tons of power. Blow you out of the room power. With tube subtlety, warmth, fullness, and body. There is no need for more if jazz and acoustic music/vocals are your passion.
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