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Tube amp recommendation for Dahlquist DQ10s

Hello,
Recently, a friend gave me a pair of DQ10s with upgraded caps that need refoaming. I’m wondering if it is worth my while to invest in an amp for these speakers as I have never heard them.

My current system is a modified Jolida 202a, Vienna Acoustics Haydn (not Grand), Hagerman Bugle phono stage, and a Bix turntable. I listen to jazz, rock, and electronic music at moderate to loud levels in a small room (11’ x 11’) with acoustic treatment. Overall, I am happy with my system, but eventually planned on upgrading to Vandersteens (love their sound) and appropriate amplification.

Since money is tight, I will probably sell the Jolida and Haydns and add a couple hundred so would have $1100 to $1300 to play with. Are there any recommendations for a used tube amp in this price range that would run these apparently power hungry speakers? I am also concerned about such a large speaker in my small room- am i correct in assuming that baffleless designs are fickle placement wise? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
elizee
mingles
796 posts
 
The DQ-10s are inefficient and need plenty of power. Dahlquist never published their sensitivity rating, but it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 85 dB. Your Jolida 202a puts out 40 watts which should be able to drive them to a moderate level (97-100 dB). Why don't you live with this combo for a while and decide later if you need more power? Your room is relatively small which plays to your advantage.

The 10s are not too finicky with placement. You'll have to experiment and find out what works best for you. I've had great results following Cardas's suggestions.
rtilden
156 posts
 
Mingles' response is right on target. In order to make those speakers sing, you need much more juice. Back when I owned DQ-10's in the 1980's, I used 250 watts per channel, which was very nice. I would say anything solid state north of 150W wwould be quite satisfactory. but, just as Mingles stated, go ahead and enjoy them with your current setup. That way, when you do upsize your amp, you will really appreciate the difference.
elizee OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I will see how it sounds with my little amp. Mingles, thanks for the Cardas link. I usually end up with a similar placement, but that formula is a nice shortcut.

Erik
mingles
796 posts
 
Erik, when you have time, tell us your impressions of the DQ-10. How do they compare to the Vienna Acoustics in terms of soundstage and imaging?
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