Recommendation for higher power tube amp


AudiogoNers - I am interested in trying more tube power with my Thiel CS2.3s, which are hard to drive (~3 ohm load over 100Hz), budget is ~$3000-3500, used is fine as long as reliability is not a big risk, what would you recommend?

Currently running a BAT VK-55 and love the sound of tubes with these speakers, first thought was to get a second VK-55 and run them in mono, but realizing there are several other potential contenders in this price range, including Sonic Frontiers Power 2, Music Reference RM-200, a few VTL models, Antique Sound Labs Hurricane, Jolida Fusion, Manley Snappers, and more ARCs then you can shake a stick at, I thought I'd post the question.

thosb

Showing 1 response by mikapen

All this talk about volts and sound pressure! If you are looking for loudness, get a DJ set and make your dishes rattle. If you are looking for good sound with good dynamic range WITH YOUR SPEAKERS, don't stop with calculations.

Math is only 1/2 or less of the equation. Tube amps react (!) to the internals of speakers in ways that are difficult to quantify - inductance, reactivity, impedance curves etc.

Efficient speakers MAY help, but an efficient speaker may introduce a difficult load for that particular amp. The crossovers or some other feature may confuse the amp.

I know this doesn't help, but the only way to know if any amp will be happy driving your speakers is to listen to it, with your speakers.

More often than not, I have been disappointed with the sound of an amp, after I've done all the math and "calculated" what will sound good with my speakers.

Living in a rural area with few nearby dealers, I finally resorted to taking my speakers to the Big City and arranging to audition a few amps with known sources and familiar material.

Better yet, find a dealer who will let you take 2 - 3 amps home for several days to listen in your environment.

Or you might try a used Citation II from one of the updaters - they handle difficult loads with strange impedance curves pretty well. KT88s and legendary transformers. Just have spare tubes on hand. (But that's the price you pay with any tube amp.)