2. amps-preamps
  3. 191876-12372

Single ended = large images?

I'm thinking about trying single ended amps. Years ago for a short time I had Cary 805b monos. I absolutely loved everything about the sound, except that they made all the images very large... Which for me took away from the realism. 

 

Do all the Cary 805 models do this? Not sure if the 211 option on the anniversary edition might be different? I saw a comment by Dennis had that the large image size was intentional and an artifact of zero feedback. 

 

If that's just the way the cary amps are, are there other brands of relatively high power single-ended amps that might not present images in a large and upfront manner? My main speakers are Verity Audio Parsifal, which are only 89 DB efficient. I also have a six pack of REL G2 subwoofers. I want to preserve as much dynamics as possible while moving to single ended, which is why the cary amps are attractive to me... Meaty transformers and a fair amount of power. My room is 15x29 and I listen moderately loudly but not very loudly. Mix of jazz, blues, rock and classical piano.

 

I appreciate any thoughts and any recommendations of other brands that might do what I'm looking for -- that single ended magic without giant forward images. Pricewise I'm looking in the $4k to $7k range used.

 

Thanks

montaldo

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,739 posts
 

I would recommend you look at Triode labs-Finale Audio out of Toronto, they make some of the best SET’s I’ve heard. I’m not sure though if they make one powerful enough for your 91db-8ohm (4ohm min) speakers though.

You mentioned 89db but the manufacture states on their web site 91db, either way not overly efficient for a SET IMO.

You may want to consider a parallel SET to get more power. I really do not think your speakers are efficient enough for less than 20watts and IMO probably still pushing it, you may actually need closer to 50-60 watts, if as you mentioned you listen at moderately loud levels. Subs you have will help in this regard if you cut the low frequencies from the main speakers. Not sure if you have that ability.

I’ve owned some moderately easy to drive 94db, 8ohm speakers that really did not come alive on a 300b SET amp @8wpc. They needed 25wpc to wake up. Not sure if the 20-25wpc of the 805-811 will be enough for you. Remember SET’s tend to start distortion earlier in their power envelope than in a push pull configuration. Really 60-70% of their power rating is about all you’re going to have clean.

I’m hopping your successful but if it was me, I’d loan one for a few weeks to see if it meets your expectations. And definitely consider parallel SET. one more thnig in your prce range you may want to consider one of the chinese amps that are well reviewed like the Wilsenton, etc. good value for the money. another option is the gallion amp. 

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