2. speakers
  3. 1200983027

Speaker Choice for Almarro 318B

Guys, I'm a budding audiophile looking to jump up to tube amps after a few years with an Arcam/B&W integrated combo. I've become smitten with the Almarro 318B integrated tube amp and now I'm in the market for some affordable speakers that will suit the amp better than my B&W DM 602 S3 speakers. The room is approx 14'X 16', hardwood floors with a small area rug, celings are approx 10' high. Speakers will need to be placed close to the wall. I listen to an eclectic mix of music that veers from noise rock to experimental electro acoustic to HEAVY avant metal ala Sunn O))) to more traditional things like PJ Harvey and Radiohead. I'm in need of a good speaker recommendation. I've been looking into Green Mountain Audio Europas, Zu Tones, Gallo Ref 3.1s, and the Omega Super XRS speakers. Can anyone point me in the right direction here? If I had the cash I would get the GMA Callistos based on reputation, or the Zu Druids, but I don't think I even have the space for these speakers. I am leaning toward a used pair of Europas for $650 shipped. Should I take the plunge? Please help! I want a speaker that will be a noticeable step up from my current setup...Will the GMA Europas mix well with the Almarro 318B? Thanks!
mbleming

Showing 9 responses by darkmoebius

darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Jaybo, the A318B will have no problem with the Zu Tones. The Tones are rated at 96dB/12ohms, an easy load for for tube amps.

I owned the A31A & A318B for several months and drove a range of speakers with them including 90dB/4ohm Jean Marie Reynaud Twins mkII's. The A318B was fantastic with the Twins within reasonable limitations.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Interesting Larryken,

The bias on my 318B was always rock steady after the first ~30 hours. And I think I only had to adjust it twice in that time.

You used the exact term that I kept returning to as I tried to describe the amp to others - "tonal purity". That is the best possible description.

BTW, I just saw pictures of Almarro's new monoblocks from the recent trade show. I think they are Class A PP and use the same output tubes as the A318B. Yowsa!!!
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
B-O-F, love your moniker!

Best laugh this weekend.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Mbleming,

You can easily use subs with the A318B, I did. All you need is a subwoofer equalizer or sub amp that allows speaker-level inputs.

I use a Paradigm X-20 Subwoofer Control Unit. It allows both line-level and speaker-level inputs. So, I just run two sets of speaker cables - one to my main speakers, the other to the X-20 and out to the subwoofer.

If I remember correctly, the speaker level inputs of most x-overs simply have a -6dB or -10dB voltage divider in the line - really just resistors.

Oh, I forgot to mention, that if you have any woodworking skills or know a cabinet maker, you really should look into the $650 [url=http://www.hammerdynamics.com/]Hammer Dynamics Super-12[/url]'s kit. All you really need is 2 pieces of 4'x8' plywood.

But, don't let it's price and simply construction fool you, these speakers are awesome. With some [url=http://melhuish.org/audio/super12.html]simple modifications[/url] listed here, you can take them up to an amazingly high level of performance for very little total money.

I have them and they are really fantastic, even in comparison to my expensive Cain & Cain IM-Bens.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Congrats Arkprof, that's a nice combo.
I no longer miss my SuperCains/Abbey
Unless they are used in a fairly small room, I've always felt the Abbys need the Bailey subwoofer to sound fleshed out.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Also, where did you purchase them from? I've seen them at audiomax-ltd.com, but that's the only US store I've seen them listed. I would like a pair and I'm wondering where I can find them and how much they'll set me back.

I got my A318B from Brian Bowdle of Venus HiFi. Nothing but the highest praise for him, really focuses on customer service. He's got a lot of experience with the entire Almarro line of products.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
It is a truly special amp when paired with proper speakers.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
07-25-08: Arkprof
Yes to Darkmoebius ... I used a Bailey sub with the SuperAbbys ... simply loved the sound with the A205A amp, perhaps a bit less so with the 318B, though I much prefer the 318
That's a similar experience to what I heard with the A318B vs A205 on my Double Bens and Abbys. I preferred the A205A.

But, put the A318B on a slightly harder to drive speaker, like my 90dB/4 ohm Jean Marie Reynaud Twins monitors, and it really sang. I think the A318B needs to move a little current to sound it's best and >95dB speakers just don't get it into it's working range where things sound fully fleshed out. With the right speakers, I truly love that amp.

I also think I heard an early prototype of the M33's a couple of years ago at The HiEnd show in LA. They were pretty impressive, definitely to my liking.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
08-31-11: Mezzanine
Maybe a little soft sounding. Mine was the A version not like yours the B. Maybe that's why it was a bit soft.
I traded several emails with the owner and designer of all Almarro equipment, Mr. Muramata(sp?) when 318A was a fairly new product. He said the "A" had an intentionally soft top end for Japanese customers who primarily listened to classic jazz on vinyl where there was a lot of background hiss/noise. They had just released the "B" which featured a larger and better output transformer and had more extended frequency range. I was upgraded to the "B" and found it to be a far better amp in all regards.
More to discover