I have 5 Mani-2's in my home theater system, and used to use them for 2-channel. The Sim W5 is an excellent recommendation, however, it is NOT true that they can not sound excellent with tubes as well- I am currently driving a pair of them with a set of modified/rebuilt Altec 1570B tube monoblocks- they are brutes (165 wpc in triode) w finesse. I have also heard them on my buddy's system- 300 wpc Audio Research M300 MKII's- now THAT was an eye-opener.
So- what's the moral of the story? SS is an easier choice, as you will find more amps with the current output the Mani's crave, but depending on room size and volume required, the tube monoblock alternative can also work, AND I have found greater musicality going this route with the Mani's...
So- what's the moral of the story? SS is an easier choice, as you will find more amps with the current output the Mani's crave, but depending on room size and volume required, the tube monoblock alternative can also work, AND I have found greater musicality going this route with the Mani's...