I would add the Rogue monoblocks to your list. I've heard several different tube amps and I think they sound superb and are a great value in the hi fi world. I would suggest the Apollos if you can swing em. That's what I'm running.
Which tube monos? So many choices.Very intimidated
I am a newbie to this tube amp world and I am currently running solid state Simaudio Moon amps and seperate P-5 pre into Wilson Watt Puppy 8's. The source is a Mac based system running through a Wavelength Cosecant DAC Numerator V3 with some nice Transparent Musicwave Ultra cables and decent ints. Looking for that mono tube nirvana I have been reading about in the forums and reviews. The more reviews the more confusing it gets to the point that I have reached paralysis by analysis. I am considering these in the mix. My speakers are 92db sensitive so I think maybe Lamm ML2 or 2.1 or Ml1.1 , Joule Marquis 100, Art Audio Jota monos, the list is endless. I enjoy reading the forums. Some of you out there really have some teeth when it comes down to slamming some posts. Be gentle with this one. I am learning as I read.
Cheers and thanks for the read.
Nick
Cheers and thanks for the read.
Nick
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I would like to thank all of you for your input on this. I checked the virtual systems and it seems the BAT 150 SE was a good choice even by the Wilson website. The amp I think I will try first is the Atma-Sphere MA-1. If the marketing director was running his 8's and then his MAxx3 with them they must be a good choice. I am going to try to listen to as many as I can but our selection here is by no means vast. The McIntosh 2301 I have heard and they do sound good. Only had a 1/2 hour listen though so not long enough.Cheers Nick |
Hello Thedubemaster, Welcome to the world of tubes;I would pay attention to the reply from Atmasphere and Rushton;if you are not familiar with Atmasphere; I personally believe he is one of the top pre amp/power amp tube manufacturers in high end audio that offers excellant advice and recommendations in these forums. |
FWIW the 2.2 ohm figure is not a problem for any tube amp because it is at higher frequencies and is not broadband. Its actually more of a problem for transistors that make too much power into that impedance! The rising impedance at low frequencies also makes the speaker a good match with OTLs. Our local dealer demos his Wilsons with Atma-Sphere M-60s. The National sales manager for Wilson used MA-1s for years on his Watt/Puppy 8s before getting the Maxx and eventually a set of MA-2s. Soundstage said (with MA-1s): No matter what the reason, this system was one of the very best I've heard anywhere. see: http://www.soundstagelive.com/factorytours/wilson/ |
I've tried a number of different amps with Wilson speakers and find that higher-current amps work the best. The Lamm Hybrid M1.2's should be on a short list, along with the robust ARC 210 mono's. The Atma-sphere models have amazing transparency but give up a little low end control to give you that. The Stereo VTL Siegfried might also be a consideration depending on budget. I had tried the 90W Lamm ML 1's (single ended) with the WP's and found the sound a bit soft and slowed down--stick with the hybrids in that family. I know the BAT VK 150 SE's have shown frequently and favorably with the 7's and 8's as well. Good luck! |
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Hi Thedubemaster, Always glad to meet someone else interested in the wonderful ways in which tubes honor the music. The output-transformer-less Atma-Sphere amps work very well with Wilson Audio speakers. Within the Atma-Sphere line, the MA-1 amps will be a very good match. While many people run the Wilson Watt Puppies with the somewhat lower output M-60 amps, the Wilsons have a challenging impedance curve for which the MA-1 is a better ultimate match. Best wishes in your explorations! |
You will probably need 50-70W/ch.The VAC Ren Series mated very well with the WP.I would think that the Lamm ml2/2.1 may end up being a little soft.Being in the SS camp,I would think that a push-pull tube output stage would be less of a transition.My friend went to the ML 2.1 and complained about the "lack" of top-end.Went back to pu/pull-no problems. Any chance of auditions? You are looking to drop a good dime.You might contact the manufacturers and explain your dilemma.Many will offer a demo or hook you up with a dealer willing to accomodate.Happy Holidays! |