Zu speakers with Atma-Sphere M60 amplifiers

No disrespect but,shouldn't you have researched this before buying?Just a thought.Good luck.

You can safely remove output tubes from each amplifier to reduce power output and heat.

Good luck.

Dealer disclaimer.

If you have to much gain (very little volume control) you can also replace V2 with a jumper plug to lower the amps gain. I run Avantgarde Duo Omegas with M60s with only 4 tubes per amp and V2 jumper-ed out. Atma-Sphere can set you up with a pair of plugs or you can DIY them if needed.

you might ask Zu (Sean) to make sure the impedance is correct for OTLs---as I recall, you can have this adjusted at the factory.

Hi folks:

Thanks for the guidance here. I know the factory can implement a mod that increases the impedance but I thought that if I changed amps for any reason, the factory configuration would be more forgiving with most other amplifiers. I'm happy to hear the M60s will drive these speakers adequately.

Check out this thread, toward the bottom:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1259232779&openfrom&10&4#10

Ralph says he likes the Druid better with the M60s than the S30. If the Definitions are similar, they might follow suit.

David

M60's (HOT) in Canada will work just fine with Zu speakers but here in FL. the S30 will have to do.

The AS/Zu combo will be a treat to hear everytime you fire them up.

Tvad,

Read the thread again; Ralph preferred the M60s with the Druids, not the S30. Not sure how that corresponds with the respective output impedances. I agree with you that the science says the S30 would be better with the Druid, but his statement seems to contradict that. Maybe the extra power and headroom overcome the effect of the impedance mismatch.

David

as an aside, I have heard the Pass X-30.5 isn't a perfect power match with Definitions as well. perhaps it's related.

I used to own Druids and I auditioned an S30 with them. The sound was excellent, but if you like loud music occasionally, the S30 runs out of steam a little bit early for my tastes. I think 60 watts would be more than enough to blow the roof off with Zu speakers.

For the record, I now run highly modded Infinity RSIIb speakers (power hungry) with 500 WPC monoblocks. There are so many options for great sound...

>>05-10-10: Keithr
as an aside, I have heard the Pass X-30.5 isn't a perfect power match with Definitions as well. perhaps it's related.<<

Very interesting.

First of all, the XA30.5 is a very powerful amplifier. I don't believe you can clip it with a pair of Definitions.

Second, I ran a pair of Definitions with the XA30.5, among other amplifiers, and found the match to be sublime. It actually outperformed a handful of tube amplifiers to my ears.

As always YMMV

Dealer disclaimer

Regarding the use of 60wpc amps (like the Atma-Sphere M-60s), my Druid pair performs very nicely with a pair of Dynaco MKIIIs (re-built and ammended). Overkill, perhaps, but it's like having horsepower under the hood you'll never need. I know, SET refinement in flea power suits some better and there is no point belaboring that.