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90db, 7ohm speakers: tube amp recommendations?

HI,

I have the new Tyler Acoustics Decade D1's, and they sound very, very nice (still breaking in, but so far, couldn't be more pleased). I was considering a tube amp with them, would be paired with my McCormack ALD-1 Revision Gold+. I was thinking about a lower-powered push/pull design, something with over 20 watts obviously, but I don't need a ton of power for these. Room is around 400 square feet. Any good ideas? Budget is $2000 or so (used). Saw a Canary 301 that had been upgraded (22wpc, lots of current capability) but it sold very quickly. I was also considering higher powered KT-88 designs, but have been told that I may do better with a a bit lower powered amp, vs, say a ARC VT-100 MKii.

Looking for a fairly full, musical sound, but not too bloomy or warm. These speakers are extremely transparent yet musical, and I want to continue in that direction; a bit of tube fullness, but with no loss of soundstage or detail. It will be more or less to try: my upgraded (by SMC) McCormack DNA-125 amp currently sounds superb, but it would be nice to try something else for a bit.

dawgcatching

Showing 1 response by vett93

vett93
205 posts
 
At least, you need to find out the minimal impedance of your speakers. I have two pairs of speakers, both rated 91dB@8ohm. They sound night and day different with my 50W KT88 monoblocks.

One pair has a flatter impedance curve and these 50W KT88 monos drive them nicely. But then with my JM Lab Alto Utopia BE, its impedance drops to 3.6ohms at lower frequencies. These KT88 monos are very inadequate for Alto Utopia.

I use Counterpoint NP100 to drive them. NP100 is rated 100W@8ohm and 200W@4ohm. It is barely enough for the Alto Utopia!

So like Newbee said, you need to investigate more.
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