2. amps-preamps
  3. 183694-110897

Amplifier pairing for Altec Flamencos

I am considering adding a new amplifier to try out in my current system and could use some advice on choices to consider that would be an upgrade and complimentary to  my setup.  I have a pair of Altec Flamencos modified with the Werner Jagusch crossovers and play them with my Don Sachs preamp and a Tubes 4 HiFi  ST 120 push pull tube amp. Listening source is Bluesound node 2i with Schiit Modi Multibit Dac.   I have also been utilizing an SVS SB 1000 with them. I am not positive that my current amp is affording the old Altecs the level of dynamics and resolution that they are capable of achieving. My normal avg listening level is 75db with peaks hitting low 90s db.  Though, on occasion, I will go to 11.   What amp will resolve this question? My budget for the amp new or used is up to $3500.  

jplunkettj
hiend2's avatar
hiend2
376 posts
 

Try a Smaller Atma-sphere amp

antigrunge2
1,366 posts
 

Try to find a used Wavac MD300b. They are very rare but marvellous

hoosierinohio
146 posts
 

@antigrunge2 is right, in my opinion.  I'm guessing them to be very efficient speakers.  I couldn't find an efficiency rating on line for them.  I have the VOTT's and drive with a SET at 6 watts/channel from Decware.  The sound/music flows out of the speakers without any effort, all frequencies.  We are all in search of our "perfect system" and this has me where I have always wanted to be.  That said, Decware can also very hard to get hands on.  Hardly ever on the secondary market and over a 1 year wait for new.  A nice SET with 300b's should really make them sing.  I tried a Dynaco ST-70 a Audio Research VS55 and a McIntosh MC7270.  While all brought their own sound to the stage, the Decware was hands down the best match.  Good luck.

laaudionut
243 posts
 

Aric at Aric Audio builds tube based amplification that make those Altecs sing like never before. Check out his website and give him a call to see what he might recommend...he is a great guy to speak and work with!

 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 

I have also been utilizing an SVS SB 1000 with them. I am not positive that my current amp is affording the old Altecs the level of dynamics and resolution that they are capable of achieving.

@jplunkettj FWIW, the dynamics should come from the signal source, not the amplifier. Resolution is a different matter; that comes from low distortion. You're not going to get that from an SET; while they can be quite musical, they lack the resolution that you can get from a good push-pull amplifier (note the use of the word 'good').

Your Altecs are about 97dB; unless you are in a small room you'll find that 6 Watts isn't enough. My speakers are the same efficiency and my room is on the small side. I like to have at least 50 Watts available. You don't want to push any amplifier hard as the result is more distortion (and harsher sound due to increased higher ordered harmonics generated). If the amplifier is loafing (and you're using tubes) the tubes will last longer and the result will be more musical.

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