40+ watts SET, cost is not a problem


Friends,

Hope everyone is well here. I am visiting after a long time. I have a query on behalf of a close buddy of mine. He is using a pair of TAD CR1x loudspeakers. Gorgeous speakers for sure. The source is an EMT 927 TT & JPA66 preamp. For the amplification things are getting tricky. He has tried the TAD M700s reference power amp and while it sounds very controlled, it doesn't have the openness and dimensionality of tone that a good tube/SET amp provides. We are considering trying a good SET for this system. Given that TAD needs some power blossom well and expand on effortlessly, at least 40 watts of SET power would be needed. The quick choices are Kondo Kagura & Wavac HE833 Mk2. But I need more suggestions on these and other comparative products.

1. Has anyone heard the Kondo and Wavac gears to suggest a comparison? I am just a bit worried on the amount of Silver used in Kondo. I have normally found that silver takes away something from the flow and harmonics. Tell me more about it.

2. What other options can be considered in this realm? No SS please. Looking for SET options primarily.

 

Room size is moderate 17 x 13 feet. Music preferred are classic rock, jazz, pop and some classical

 

pani

I auditioned Audio Mirror Reflection45 SET amplifiers a couple years ago. They might be the best value SET amplification in high end audio. I recall the retail was $5000/pair. Beautiful sound. Large, three dimensional image. I’m not sure Vlad still sells them, but if you reach out to him, he might have a pair available. Definitely worth a listen.

Audio Note Ankoru (or P4 Tonmeister Balanced) are excellent choices, but I wouldn’t recommend those amplifiers unless they’re driving Audio Note loudspeakers. Yes, they will work on efficient, high sensitivity loudspeakers, but the symbiosis with Audio Note amplification and loudspeakers cannot be replicated. One without the other is handcuffing the possibilities, and those amps are very expensive to not have them paired with speakers designed to match.

 

Pani I don’t know if my tsakadiris apollon tube monoblock are triode. They use KT 120 tubes.I stop by an audio store pre pandemic.While Iam listening Iam so impressed.i asked the store owner If they will be ok to power up my Eggleston Andra? These are I think 150 w per channel. I was surprised to hear that they are good with Andra , Iam guessing my Andra are between 86 to 87db.i brought them not expecting anything, I am almost sure they will run of gas powering the Andra . I end up keeping them, I tried , Krell, Mark levinson, Pass , BaT. This are the perfect amps for ANDRA THEY MADE THIS SPEAKERS THE WAY WES Philips gave them stellar reviews.They brought the best of Andra musically.Andra loves tubes. Iam not sure if you can still find them. Brand new 4 k.

My only regret I did not buy the tsakadiris preamp.The store owner kept increasing the price.I got turned off and did not make a deal. Still I thank the store for carrying this brand.TVAD heard my system using ss . It sounds not good. That is  20yrs ago when he visited Chicago it was the time . I don’t have listening skills. And knowledge. Grant stop by listen to my system I will treat you good delicious pizza.

By the Way TVAD is a very nice guy. Like Davidten.Who both visited my place. Skhong was scheduled to visit but unable due to food poisoning. He miss Axpona 2024 as well.

Have you considered an OTL amp?  Atma-Sphere makes some excellent product that may open up the sound of that system.