A pair of SET amps will never break in a pair of Druids to full potential no matter how long or loud you play them. I had to use a 100W receiver 8hours a day for a week for the speaker to finally open up. Do that and then go back to the tube amps - you will be pleased on what you will hear |
FWIW we got our Druids from ZU in trade for an S-30. They still have the amp after 2 years and we still have the speakers. The S-30 will play the speaker to crazy levels in most rooms. They seem to work quite well together. |
I tried the carver, Proceed and finally the Tad-60 Biased in Class A up to 10 WPC and the Tad definitely has opened up and added a lot of information. This seems to be the best fit with the Amps I have.
Thanks to all!! |
Have no idea. Perhaps your expectations were too high. |
Ummm, have you tried hooking them up to your other amps???
-RW- |
BBChem,
2nd Sbayne re: a higher powered SET. Having heard the Druids with Almarro 318B for quite a few extended auditions, the two sounded marvelous together. Great detail and clarity, realistic soundstaging, not overly warm and a sense of power that belies the 18W / channel rating.
Cheers,
Garry
PS - Also agree with Audiofeil about 300B's and exploring other brands. IMO, they're a natural match for the Druid. |
I've owned the Druids and the ZU Mini Method sub. I would recommend a fairly high powered SET amp (yes I know thats an oxy-moron) I used 10 watts for a while but when I went to a 25 watt SET amp based on the 845 tube the soundstage really opened up and the speakers were much more dynamic. With that said, however, you will need a sub to get realistic dynamics regardless of the amp you use. |
I'm always in favor of trying as many combinations as possible, especially if "another amp purchase is out of the question". That does really narrow the options. I suppose if none of your amps work well you will need to revisit that qualification or dump the speakers.
IME, Druids are exemplary dynamic performers. |
I am trying to get better overall dynamics-SoundStage, I am not sure if the Druids are broken in yet, how many hours are recommended? Since I have invested so much money on several different systems, another amp purchase is out of the questions. I have the TAD-60 tube amp running in class A for the first 10watts and then Class B up to the 60. Should I try the Tad-60 on the Druids??
Thanks to all!! |
I have run my two pairs of Druids with Carver M1.5-t, also McIntosh MC225, Denon, Ashly, Hafler, some others. Plus... Bel Canto eVo 200.2.
The Bel Canto *by far* was the best match, just an outstanding sound. And the same with my PMC TB2+, SLS 8190, Paradigm Esprit Reference.
Also, I would highly recommend getting the Zu Libtec cables. That just took all those speakers to their potential, especially the Druids.
Steve |
Bb - What is lacking and what direction do you want to push them? I wouldn't think 300B GENERALLY would be the best choice, as they are voiced toward the warmer side which the Druids are as well. |
SORRY DOUBLE POST ACCIDENT READ THIS IF YOU READ ANYTHING I SAID.
You may do well to consider a few other potential amps.
With 12 Ohm resistance you have a very good candidate for an OTL amp. You didn't explain if you are committed to a SET.Otherwise you should won't need to limit your choices low power.Withan OTL amp the sound seems tome to improve upto a point with power a very well made superb amp in this category is Atmasphere. The amps I have heard with any frequency are the 60 watt and the 110 wpc models. They are very good, but if want color-thereis nothing wrong with buying what you like not what others dictate is correct.
If you want a warmer sound for instance from the Druids (don't ask me if that's even possible or a flame war will erupt.) You could try a powerful or moderate powered true Class A only assuming youare biamping the low end. Those type amps are rare and expensive these days, a good example would be the Accuphase A 60. They can handle the resistance whereas the class ab amps which are ubiquitous and standard isn't as stable under load variation . Still a class A amp will be pushing hard.
The best choice is a warmish tube amp, if the problem is that they lack fullness. The CJ tube power amps are warm. Not inexpensive but thereare plenty of them so they come up for sale used on a regular basis.
After a debate on the matter a year or more ago , I was informed by my friend with very sophisticated ears and very knowledgeable audio lover who's equal I yet to meet, told me that the Definitions are very good speakers.They have more than their share of woofers and are very full, indeed. More importantly they don't sound like the Druids but if you still aren't satisfied with them after you break them in, whenever you think that has occured, consider this.
Given that you would spend nearly as much changing amps, and of course any amount more than that. Why not move up to the Definitions. That would seem to be a logical choice to me.FWIW |
You may do well to consider a few other potential amps.
With 12 Ohm resistance you have a very good candidate for an OTL amp. You didn't explain if you are committed to a SET.Otherwise you should won't need to limit your choices low power.Withan OTL amp the sound seems tome to improve upto a point with power a very well made superb amp in this category is Atmasphere. The amps I have heard with any frequency are the 60 watt and the 110 wpc models. They are very good known best as fast, i.e. blazing speed of transients, will not congest and crystal clear, neutral sound.
If want color-there is nothing wrong with buying what you like not what others dictate is correct.
If you do want a warmer sound for instance, from the Druids (don't ask me if that's even possible or a flame war will erupt.) You could try a powerful or moderate or high powered true Class A only Only Class A, no plateau. Assuming you are biamping the low end. Those type amps are rare and expensive these days, expensive to operate may require 220-240-volt, are literally hotter than aspace heater and weigh as much asa Rhinocerous. A good example of a moderate Class A would be the Accuphase A 60. You need very deep pockets for that though. As a group they can handle the resistance whereas the class ab amps which are ubiquitous and standard isn't as stable under load variatio. Even then a class A amps do best with lower impedance against 12 ohms they will be pushing hard.
The best choice is a warmish tube amp, if the problem is that they lack fullness. The CJ tube power amps are warm. Not inexpensive but there are plenty of them so they come up for sale used on a regular basis.
After a debate on the matter a year or more ago , I was informed by my friend with very sophisticated ears and a very knowledgeable audio lover, who's equal I have yet to meet, said that the Definitions are very good speakers. They have more than their share of woofers and are very full, indeed. More importantly they don't require equisitely refined and expensive electronics to make them a joyto hear. If you bought Druids because you like their signature sound. Even after you break them in whenever you think that is consider this. You are allowed to change your mind therefore.
Given that you would spend nearly as much changing amps, and of course any amount more than that. Why not move up to the Definitions. That would seem to be a logical choice to me.FWIW |
|
I bought them used on AG, so not sure about the Breakin time the dealer said they are not yet broken in. How many hours for Breakin? I also have a TAD-60 which is driving a pair of Mark and Daniels Rubys and that combo is totally like live music, The best that I have ever heard at least in my house. Maybe the Tad-60 would be better? |
Druids, generally speaking, do not work well with solid state amps.
They are a 12 ohm load and much more tube friendly than let's say Definition which are 6 ohms and work well with both topologies. Personally, I wouldn't use either the Proceed or Carver on Druids but it might be worth a shot.
Lastly, not all 300B amps are created equal.
Disclaimer: Zu listening post. |
I would like to know how the Carver sounds if you ever hook it up, sometimes Carver works pretty good, other times not so much. |
Did you have the factory break the speakers in before shipment? How many hours do YOU have on them? They need considerable break-in.
Source?
...and what are you hearing that you feel is lacking?
Give us details. I've heard them in quite a lot of systems, both budget type, and approaching all-out. Have never failed to impress me.
Something might be holding them back... |
