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Power Amp Suggestions

I'm in the process of selecting a used power amplifier to fit into my system. Currently, I have a Curcio-mod ST-70 which sounds wonderful within its 35W/channel limits. Unfortunately, it is trying to drive the less than 83dB/1W Eminent-Technology LFT-VIIIs which I love. Bruce Thigpen at E-T recommends an amp capable of 75-200 watts into 8 ohms for his babies. I thought the NYAL Moscode 300 (150w/channel) I have would be a good match, but wasn't. The preamp is an all-tube Cary SLP-30. The three components just did not sing well together. The E-Ts are very warm and while the bass was great, the midrange wasn't as good as the Curcio provides. So waht are my choices? I might be able to get away with a little less than the recommended power, given the size and liveliness of my room plus the levels I listen at. Some candidates I've considered: - ARC Classic 60 - Cary SLA-70 Signature - Sonic Frontiers SFA-75 (another Curcio design) - Sumo Andromeda III - Aragon 4004 II Has anyone had any experiences with these units that could be indicative of what I might expect in my system? Thanks in advance for any help! Steve Albers
stevea
accutronix
22 posts
 
First off, if you like tubes, stay away from the Aragon. It will sound way too solid state. The Sumo is a possibility, tending to be a bit bright but with good detail, which should be good for the ET's. The tube preamp helps here. As for tube amps, ARC is probably the best bet. The Classic 60 will definitely be a Classic. It would offer good bass control and extension, as well as three dimensional midrange and clean, extended highs. The Cay SLA-70 will probably be too little. The ARC is rated at 60 watts, and the Cary at similar, but the Cary only has two tubes per output,while the ARC will have 4, giving a more rubust 60 watts. In the Cary line, the SLM-100 would be spectacular with the ET's. We are a Cary dealer, and currently have a pair of ET LFTVIII on trade in. The SLM-100's w/ 6550 output tubes in triode mode offer great three dimensionality and midrange timbres, yet control the bass, which is not an easy task on the ET's. The SLM-100's can also be switched to ultra linear, for more power, with a little sacrfice in midrange bloom. Overall, the SLM-100's might a bit pricey for the ET's ($4000 new, $2000 used), but they sure would make them sing.
bolen_gregb3c7
3 posts
 
Check out the McCormack DNA-1 deluxe for $2400. It's solid state and high power (185 watts).. very musical. I used this amp for a few years driving Thiel 2.2 with Sumiko ocos cables... great match. I sold it to my cousin who now uses it with martin logan SL3. I now have a all Naim active system... but that's another story...
fotopresd4b4
48 posts
 
At 83 db/watt your talking 60 watts RMS to go 100db (that's 600 watts peak) and unless you go into the Futterman's, there is only the ARC 150 or 350 if you can find one. Or you can forget tubes altogether in the amp stage and go with a really decent solid state unit. There's a lot of muscle out there for not much money, from Marantz to Sunfire.
fotopresd4b4
48 posts
 
At 83 db/watt your talking 60 watts RMS to go 100db (that's 600 watts peak) and unless you go into the Futterman's, there is only the ARC 150 or 350 if you can find one. Or you can forget tubes altogether in the amp stage and go with a really decent solid state unit. There's a lot of muscle out there for not much money, from Marantz to Sunfire.
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