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Cornwall IV – tube (amp) choice

I recently bought the Cornwall IVs and even while running with my old and small Rotel amp they make me pretty happy. But having listened to them plugged to a tube amp in the shop this will be the next investment. And with no proper shop around where I can compare different models and different tube types I´m depending on other people´s experiences. I know that once I have any amp here tube rolling will be the next thing to try but for now I´d like to know if someone can tell me something about different tube types or amps that work well with the Cornwall IVs (or similar sounding speakers).

Of course I´m looking for the warmth that the current amp does not provide. Also it seems that the highs are a bit too pronounced, so I´m willing to trade some of those in if it means gaining more low-mids and lows. Having said that, I´m not looking for boom, just a little more cozyness.

Some tube amps I came across:

lab12 integr4 (KT150)
Primaluna evo 300 (EL34 – I´m a bit afraid of the evo 400, 8 power tubes are a bit intimidating when it comes to rolling or exchanging broken tubes)
Willsenton R800i (300B / 805)

My desired price range is up to $3.000 but well, the primaluna are already above that limit.
As you can see I´m not afraid of chinese brands. I´m living in Europe and dependend on what´s available here.

chmaiwald
crustycoot
600 posts
 

EL84 based amps like the Black Ice F11 should not be dismissed unless you lean toward the leadfoot on volume.  104dB sensitivity means that 18W is like 300W with 91dB speakers.  

danager's avatar
danager
883 posts
 

Have you seen Steve Guttenberg's YouTube video?  He's a Cornwall guy and talks about amps and other things.

 

pvmike
40 posts
 

I would look into Decware. They carry a lifetime warranty and are hand built not assembly line manufactured. point to point build no circuit boards and can be customized

 

chmaiwald OP
75 posts
 

Thanks for all the replies, it´s all very inspiring and is giving me lots to consider and think about. Which is a fun part of this whole audio thing. I take from what I read that basically there´s no wrong decision, so that´s a good starting point.

@darkscience There´s plenty of manufacturers outside russia.

@jasonbourne52 Sure, wpc is a factor, but if a powerful and affordable amp sounds better, there´s no problem for me.

@ezraslc What are you hoping to improve with the Luxman amp?

@retiredfarmer I haven´t found a distributor, so I guess not.

@sandthemall The idiot-proofness of the Primaluna and the lab12 is a definite plus.

@elliottbnewcombjr Think Long, Go Deep. – I sure will!

@danager Guttenberg´s enthusiasm sure was a one thing that made me want to have a listen to the CIVs.

Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to respond!

cns1946's avatar
cns1946
66 posts
 

Bought this integrated tube amp to power ALTEC Lansing A7-8 VOT speakers. Similar in size and sensitivity to the Cornwalls. Could not be happier. Only 10 WPC but it easily fills a 25'X25' with a 10' peaked ceiling. 85-90db at 1/3 power. Pure Japanese goodness.

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