Conrad Johnson Premiere 8's can be had in great condition and prices. :)
Big bold sound, amazing imaging.
Big bold sound, amazing imaging.
Tube amp mono block recomendations
I've heard some nice demos with Audio Note, but for your music preferences and the Tannoy speakers I'd suggest at least auditioning Manley amps. They offer some of the best bass among tube amps and are a known match with Tannoys. The Snappers meet your price point when used. No reason they wouldn't work well with your other speakers too. |
Our M-60s work very nicely with the Audio Notes. IME it is helpful to give them a bit of power- while they are easy to drive and a benign impedance for tube amps, I would characterize their efficiency as 'moderate'; about 90 or so dB. So in most rooms 60 watts is a good minimum amount of power. For this reason unless you are nearfield in a smaller environment I would not recommend a 7 watt amp on this speaker- it simply won't be enough power. The Tannoys are very nice but here again its helpful to give them a bit of power. Of course this is true of the Snells as well. IMO/IME if you are planning a tube amp, 60 watts should be your minimum target power, but a lot depends your room and listening habits. |
You should be able to find some used Rogue Audio M-180 monoblocks well under your budget (they are $6500 new). I have them in my main system. They are detailed and dynamic and fairly neutral. I wouldn't classify them as "bright", they are in many ways closer to a good solid state amp (great bass control, neutral, quiet) than they are to some of the warmer, syrupy tube amps out there. |
Any thoughts or experiences with the ANK kits. The 300b mono blocks can be had in my price range including the C core Interstage models. A single 300b is only good for about 7 watts. Your speakers need considerably more power than that. What are the dimensions of your room? Is it lively or absorptive? |
A used Atma S30 is 30wpc, which should be good for the Snell and Audio Note ( I can't find any specs on the Tannoy), and should be in your budget. To be honest, a room that large would benefit having a high powered amp-I always err on the overkill side as I hate pushing a small amp too hard. If I recall correctly, Atma Sphere offers kits, though that might have changed. Bob |
Update... I have purchased a set of UK Audio Note P4 Mono blocks and upgraded my M3 preamp with the M6 model. They were local which was a nice bonus. I have since sold my ANK’s and put the Tannoy MG’s on the first line. The MG’s are 92.5 db by the way. The P4’s are 300b’s and 18 watts p/chan. It all sounds wonderful. Thanks to all who contributed to the thread. Cheers |
What's wrong with these? https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9iejh-audio-note-kits-interstage-monoblock-pse-300b-tube Or a pair of Manley Snappers. Good luck. |