Amplifier pairing for Altec Flamencos

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!

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.

@atmasphere Thanks for your input.  Do you think your new class D mono blocks would be a good fit for the 16 ohm Altecs? Or should I stick with a tube amplifier for this speaker? I think my current tube amp falls within the parameters you outlined, but it is the only tube amp i have ever owned so i have no reference for judging its performance.  

@laaudionut Thanks for the Aric Audio suggestion. I will see what he recommends.

@hoosierinohio  I lost my opportunity a few years back to get a Decware product (owner had second thoughts) and now the waiting list is too long for me to wait. It's good to know your experience with the Decware as a good fit for Altecs. 

@hiend2  Thanks for the Atma-sphere suggestion, but i am not sure I can find any of his products -even used-that are in my budget.

I appreciate everyone's input since I have no experience with tube amps other than the one I have. I am reluctant to get a SET low wattage amp since I do rotate other less efficient speakers  to compare. Currently on rotation are Kef 105 s and Thiels.    

Thanks for your input.  Do you think your new class D mono blocks would be a good fit for the 16 ohm Altecs? Or should I stick with a tube amplifier for this speaker? I think my current tube amp falls within the parameters you outlined, but it is the only tube amp i have ever owned so i have no reference for judging its performance.  

@jplunkettj My speakers are also 16 Ohms and they work fine with the class Ds. A good tube amp will work fine too.

I essentially have the same speaker, which is the Altec 846A. I also use the Werner Jagusch (Mass Mutter on eBay...?) Crossover. The Altec’s with the Werner XO have a very high performance ceiling. I use a Shindo Parallel SET 300B, which is 18 watts. I would like to hear a 40-50 watt PP tube amp, but I can’t say my amp is lacking on power. It may not have the grunt of a KT 88, but there’s always a trade off. There are so many interesting choices that you could consider. I would start with the type of sound you are looking for. I know this may cause a mini uproar, but the type of music you listen to should come in to play. If you’re a newbie jazz guy that has always listened to rock like Steely Dan, The Police, CSN, and singer songwriter stuff, I love the 300B. Perhaps the 211/845 tube should also be considered. I may throw on Zeppellin or Sabbath on every 5th listening session, and for that I would love to have a KT 77, 88, or even an 845 amp in my arsenal. But I still enjoy the harder rock on my Shindo. As for amps suggestions, perhaps the above mentioned OTL is a nice. option. For Push Pull, maybe a used Audio Hungary or Lab 12. A used Shindo Montille may also come in within your budget.