Looking To Match A Tube Amp With A Pair Of Audio Note AN-K/Spe

Food for thought and thanks for the response Atmasphere. Vu's tube preferences for the K's were 300B's and 6L6's. That conversation and your comments bring something like the Canary M-90 to mind. Anyone had experience with that one? -Scott

Thank you all for these helpful responses. The attack will be incremental. I've ordered AN Lexus speaker cable (my setup requires 3M runs), and a single 2M length of AN-Vx interconnect between transport and DAC. I use the transport quite a bit. We'll see how that goes for a while. Thinking I'm going to save my pennies for a pair of Empress SET's. -Scott

I will do that. Thanks. Is that a nick name?

Here's a question in regards to markhh2's comment: If the Oto is the bomb (which I do not disagree with. I've heard the same comment from another source) for matching with K's, would Manley Mahi's be worthy of consideration? Both have the same power tubes (EL 84). Oto is 10W SET, Hahi is configurable to triode mode at 20W. So what's more important in considering amp/speaker matching? Type of power tube or configuration? Is there a concern regarding distortion at 20W? Any and all thoughts on this are welcome.

Thanks Pesky. I've soldered before and installed a new audio system in the wife's '91 Miata two summers ago. So something to definitely consider.  -Scott

Thanks Larry. My problem regarding OTO is that I have a Backert Labs preamp which I absolutely love and will not give up. I install the new cables when they arrive (see earlier post) and save up for a few years. I think I'll be on the lookout for a pair of Empress' or buy new when I can.  -Scott

Thanks Larry, I'm also intrigued the Level 4 EL 84 kit that's available. Seem's that might be a good match for the K's in a 30x12 room. I listen primarily 8-10 feet away with proper toe in.  -Scott

If you had to choose between a push-pull EL 84 at say 20W or an SET 2A3 say at 8W to push the K's what would you prefer?

Thanks again for the responses Larry. Based on what I'm looking for, your comments only reinforce the gameplan to go with a pair of Empress' when circumstances allow me to come into possession. Take Care,  -Scott

Thank you David. I'll look into that. -Scott

Hi Atmasphere, Thank you for your comments. Just to be clear since the K's are in a larger room (approx 30 x 12) you would prefer a push pull configuration. Correct? -Scott

I just got off the phone with Vu. Whoever recommended that thank you. A most informative conversation. Keep in mind this thread started with me looking for better punch in the midrange. What I failed to mention was that I've been running this rig with a REL T-7. Vu's first comment was that my sub was sucking out my midrange. This was a revelation to me. He then concurred that tubes were the only way to go for the K's. He however, is squarely in the SET camp and suggested Quests given my price range and need for a dedicated power amp. -Scott

Considering a Decware Tori II MkV for my K's. Atmasphere's comments were influencing on this thread. Have certainly decided that a 20-40W pentode design is a good path. Keeping in mind the K's are in a 12x26 room go with KT 66, 77, or 6L6 for an "EL-84 tactile and immediate" kind of sound? Other considerations are C-J classic 62, and BAT VK-56. There's a listing on Canuck Audio Mart for a pair of Master Sound (Italy) 845 monobloc's. Another worthy consideration? -Scott