Valvet gets exceptional reviews for solid state: https://highend-electronics.com/collections/valvet. I've always wanted one, but I've never had speakers that were efficient enough.
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Valvet gets exceptional reviews for solid state: https://highend-electronics.com/collections/valvet. I've always wanted one, but I've never had speakers that were efficient enough. |
@fixedincome, Your speakers with 97 db sensitivity, 8 ohm impedance and built in powered subwoofer allow the option of pursuing/focusing on watt quality more so the watt quantity. In addition to the excellent suggestions for the Valvet Audio and First Watt S,I.T.-3 also look at the Bakoon Audio 13R. BTW there's also the First Watt F7 and F8 to consider. A very high quality lower watt power amplifier should work exceptionally well with those Spatial Audio speakers. Best of luck. Charles |
@fixedincome - yes, a watt is a fixed unit of measurement. However, a high quality 20w amp that suits your tastes will sound a lot better than a poorly constructed 100w amp that doesn't suit your tastes. In addition, the way an amp clips can make a big difference to the perceived quality. Tube amps generally create pleasing distortion when they clip whereas solid state amps tend to sound harsh when they clip. |
@fixedincome, What I meant by "quality watts" is you don’t have to be as obsessed with amplifier power as some who own insensitive and difficult to drive speakers. There are some really fine sounding lower power amplifiers available. Your Spatials allow the opportunity to explore this niche of excellent amplifiers I’m not that familiar with this speaker so perhaps a 5 watt SET may or may not work, but amps in the 15 to 50 watt range certainly could. For example I believe that the First Watt S.I.T.-3 could possibly be an outstanding match. Charles |
I assume you are using the preamp stage of the Dave which is excellent. I am a Chord dealer and am familiar with the Ultimas. They are very nice power amps but you might find the balance of that system with a Dave, Spatials and an Ultima 6 to be on the bright side. The Ultimas are more natural sounding than the old SPMs but they are still forward vs. neutral, as is the Dave. With Spatials, this could get a touch fatiguing. Although not energy efficient, Pass would be an excellent option in terms of sound. The X30.8 will deliver all the power you need and will deliver awesome sound. I believe list on it is $6800. Naim would be excellent with the exception of the fact that it is not fully balanced. The NAP 250 would deliver all the power you need and is really good sounding. If you are using XLRs and want a fully balanced amp, not ideal. List on it is $6900. Currently out-of-stock at the distributor but they have a B-stock unit that could be had for a nice discount. The AVM Ovation SA 6.3 is incredible, fully balanced and everything you could want but will come in a touch over your budget as it lists at $10K. It is also way more powerful than you need but an insanely good amp. If you could trade something in, could easily be had on budget. If you are willing to consider an integrated amp, Canor offers a 1.20 Class A SS Integrated amp that is INCREDIBLE for the money. Canor is ProJect and Musical Fidelity's Slovakian OEM. It lists for $6999. These are all Class A or AB and will not be energy efficient. The Cass As in particular run hot at 130 degrees or so. Given how much the amp is on, would you want to consider class D? There are some newer ones that sound very good. |
I would look seriously at AVM SA6.3 or Pass X30.8 as both will be fully balanced and sound insanely good. Pass is class A, AVM is Class AB. The AVM will run much cooler and not tax energy bill the same as the Pass. The others are either bright, integrated or not balanced. For even more energy efficiency, check out Jeff Rowland 535. I think it lists for $5900. Very good sounding and musical. Not sure it sounds as good as Pass or AVM but it sounds very good. |
@charles1dad some observations about the SIT3 with preamp and gain issues. I am using about 10db more gain from the preamp to get the same level of volume I was getting with the XA25. My preamp works in 1db increment, 0-99. 89db is unity gain, all attenuation under that setting. my room is 19’ x 28 x 13H wide open to other areas. I’d listen anywhere from about 68 to 80db on the dial. Depending on recording level and music type. More than comfortably loud and there’s plenty left. Hope that helps. From what I’ve read the sit3 prefers a 8 - 4ohm load. You would have to take your room size and music type, loudness,etc Into consideration. For normal listening, I think you would be fine. You can tell this amp is built on the typical pass type power supply which is beefy and underrated. The XA25 Has more weight and heft when pushed, a trade off for midrange purity and SET like presentation. ten days now and the amp seems fully broken in.. seems to be a good match for my speakers. It’s not a party amp, and not for everyone.. it’s quite good! I’m glad I snatched one up. |
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