In search of Power Amp replacement


I'm powering a pair of Clements RT-7's (T-line & ribbons) 6.5 ohm and have a Forte Audio Model 2 Pre. These are not the most efficient speakers on the planet but I have grown to love the way they sound. They have very deep bass and the amp would need to shine in the lower registers. Bryston and Creek have been suggested to me but I've not heard either yet. The sticky point is my current budget. I need to keep the cost in the 1k range(new or used). I would appreciate any and all suggestions.
firestice35c

Showing 1 response by wstevens

I too have used tube power amps for my RT7. Currently a SoundTech Power Amp One (using 6550s). This suggests that a tube amp with 6550s will give the kind of bass impact you want. I have liked the way the speakers sounded with my Anthem Amp 1- EL34s- (iwhich powers my other system) but not quite as much bass oomph as the 6550s. Strangely, though, a Sonic Frontiers SFS 80 (using KT90s) sounded dead with the RT7s (but good with other speakers.)

I heard my RT7 when auditioning them with a Bryston 4B. A pretty good combination but not the best I've heard with solid state. I preferred the Audiolab 8000P, and if you can afford it, the Bryston 7b. An aquaintance I once knew had the RT7s with a Classe (I can't remember if DR8 or 9) and it was excelllent. My first choice for ss amp.

Michael