Soundlab A3s and thoughts.

I’ve got a line magnetic 218ia here in another system (845 output tubes) I’ll try that at very low volumes. I’m a bit of an SET guy. So these are a departure. The 518 is only about 30 Watts so I’m not expecting it to go well. Failing that there is a Nad c390dd local that is within budget. There is also a Bryston 4bb st on eBay that might be a goer !!! Thanks all for your thoughts. 

Wow, go straight to the source.... i hadn’t even considered that as an option. when i’ve got them, ( i pick them up tomorrow ) and i can quote the serial numbers , I’ll do that. Thanks for the advice.

My speakers are original A3s with the old transformers. So as inefficient as they can be..... still sounded great even with my limited amp........ Panels were a little crackly but I tuned this out with the bias adjuster. I’m not quite sure what this does, but I’ve asked soundlab for a Manual so hopefully I’ll learn and hopefully I’ve not done anything bad.

I picked up my speakers today, and roughly set them up this evening. With my Line Magnetic 518ia 22 watts SET. I wasn’t expecting much , but this combination gave me some of the most convincing presentation of female vocals that ive heard. Case of you (Diana Krall/live in Paris CD) was the most present I’ve ever heard it. Fantastic. Volume was not a problem either. There are limitations however. The little line Magnetic could not play extended, low, electronic bass notes without Producing physical vibrating of the panel. Short transient low bass was fine but long electronic bass produced a chuffing at medium to high volume. Lowering the Volume removed this problem. I’m hoping that a higher power amp will eliminate this issue. So I’m now thinking of the Line Magnetic lm150ia, with 4 KT150s producing 100watts. Just because I’ve liked their products so far. There is also I Nad C390 DD for sale locally that I’m interested in ( I used the M51 dac for a while and liked it ). It’ll run 150watts continuous into 4 ohms with x3 that peak. I’m curious about that too. DD amp, dac and pre all in one. Very different to what I’d usually go for but maybe a change is as good as a rest. We shall see.

thanks for your interest. 

Hi All, Dr West replied to my email personally Welcoming me to the Soundlab family and sending me the user manual. The Manual states that the cracking noise cannot damage the panel. In fact the bias procedure asks you to turn the adjuster all the way clockwise then back off until you cant hear any cracking. However Ive just done as you suggested which is to turn until cracking is heard and then back off until it goes away. The Manual Also says that good results can be expected with OTL amps, which indeed ls Ralphs( Atmas) area. Ive had some interesting discussions with Ralph in the last few years. I'm sure his amps would be a good match. The speakers continue to surprise in their presentation even with my little old 22watt SET as long as I don't try to push the volume on Electronic Bass heavy tracks. Leonard Cohen sounds fabulous. I'll check in from time to time and let you know progress re amps and so on. There is a Bryston Local that might fit the bill. Thanks all for your thoughts and advice.

Myron.