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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 4 responses by garryh

garryh
94 posts
 
Ditto on the matching the 318B with either Almarro or Zus.

Having only heard the M1A speaker with the 318B, I was quite suprised at how nice it sounded . . . especially bass-wise. Nice, tight, clean, and very dynamic; though not quite as dynamic as the Zu Tone (via the 318B). This comparo was made easy as the local dealer reqresents both Zu and Almarro in Hong Kong. I can imagine that the bigger Almarros sound similar, albeit exhibiting larger scale and frequency range.

I've heard the entire Zu range with the 318B and they all sound wonderful. Focusing on the Tones, this, in my opinion, would be a fine match. Together they exhibit quickness, clarity, and tone (no pun intended) that is hard to beat.

My 318B has been on order for a few months now and should be arrive in about 2-3 weeks. It will be paired with my Aurum Cantus V3Ms and I'll be sure to post my thoughts asap.

Cheers,
Garry
garryh
94 posts
 
Bongofury,

Good information you've provided.

One area that I slightly disagree - your admonition re: 6Moons. In my case, no doubt that some items reviewed on 6Moons affected my decision to subsequently purchase these same items (Minimax and Raysonic CDPs, Zu Tones, and Micropure Kotaros) simply by exposure to their availability. These products must be competitive and won't survive on hype alone . . . especially so here in Hong Kong, wherein lay virtually the entire gamut of HiFi to sample. Some of my purchases/orders actually predated the reviews on 6Moons (Yamamoto H/P amp, Almarro A318B, & REL subs). Perhaps it's a case of gravitating towards the same sound / design - who knows?

It seems quite clear that they've a fairly good track record for picking quality products which also represent extremely good VFM. In fact, both the Project and Sony sources you've recommended where given very favourable reviews on 6Moons as well.

Accordingly, if one's tastes are congruent with those of a partcular group or site; then, in my book, this would help diminish the likelihood of costly mistakes over time.

Just my $0.02.

Cheers,
Garry
garryh
94 posts
 
Finally got around to putting the finishing touches on my office rig (see Free Trade Fidelity listed my System) where my Almarro is paired with Aurum Cantus V3Ms and running a REL R305 sub in tandem.

Needless to say that I'm thrilled with the sound ... especially after rolling the input tubes with NOS Mullards. Sound is crystal clear and yet very sweet. Bass, in particular, is quite impressive - tight, quick, and nicely weighted. I was concerned that the ribbon tweeters in the V3Ms might be a bit harsh, but this wasn't the case - just pure detail without any hint of fatigue - I suppose the Mullards contributed mightly here.

10-10:30 on the dial which is plenty loud and I agree with Beragamo that their is no need to rule out the A318B with speakers of moderate efficiency as there seems to be more than sufficient power on hand.

Cheers,
Garry
garryh
94 posts
 
07-26-08: Darkmoebius

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.

I agree with you wholeheartedly . . . the A318B definately seems to like to be goosed a bit. When doing so over the last few days, I've noticed much greater depth / dimension soundstage wise - "fleshed out", as you say, more or less sums it up best.

Cheers,
Garry
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