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Amp recommendations for Tannoy Canterbury SE

I have just purchased the Tannoy Canterbury SE speakers and am driving them with my existing Ayon Audio Triton II KT88-based monoblocks delivering 100 Watts per channel. My only source Ayon CD-5 is connected directly to the Ayon monos, since the CD-5 has got a decent volume control. I listen to mostly very fast and dynamic music including rock, techno and others.

My initial impressions are that I am not getting speed, punch and tight bass. I am wondering if this is possibly due to an amp mismatch. While the tube amp's 100 Watts seem more than adequate for Canterburys 8 ohms and 96db spec, I wish I could get better results.

I am seeking recommendations on what could be the best suitable amp for the Tannoy Canterburies. I am open to both tubes and solid state.
- What could be some of the best Tube Amps as well as Solid State Amps that could be a good match ?
- Existing Tannoy Prestige series speaker owners - what amps do you use ?
- Should I be looking at tube amps which are based on tubes other than KT-88 ?

If you have any other recommendations in positioning/configuring the Canterburies please let me know too.

Many thanks in advance
Wilfred
wilfredt

Showing 3 responses by hornguys

hornguys
180 posts
 
Mulveling -

Since you are in the Atlanta area, you're invited to hear my set-up.

In fact, I just sold the Vivas, so I will be using other (actually less expensive) amplification.

I think you'll like it - except for the money issue... :)
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hornguys
180 posts
 
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IMO, the Canterburys sound pretty good set up any old way. But they do benefit from voicing, right down to very small adjustments.

It's unlike any other speaker I've worked with in that way.

Once broken in, they are so musically compelling, it's almost like, "why fix it if it ain't broke?"

But once they are dialed in, it's all over for most folks - their "desert island" speaker has arrived.

Re amplification, I've had good luck with amps in the 30 watt region, both SS & tube. The first pair I voiced a few years ago had a 60 watt amplifier on them.

I'd like to hear if a more powerful amp might sound even better but then we get back to "if it ain't broke..." ☺
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hornguys
180 posts
 
Wilfredt - I use a variety of amps on the Canterburys. There is not that big of a difference in the areas you describe. Yes, there is a difference, but it's not overwhelming - whether it's the Viva 845 amp which only has one 845 output (the 3 211s per amp are rectifiers & drivers), a ss Pass XA 30.5 or other amps I have on hand.

I tend to think your issue is more about how your Canterburys are "playing the room."

Of course, I could be very wrong, but those are the symptoms you describe.

A particular tube or even an amp is not likely to solve the issues you have described.

Worrying about how the electrons flow through a device is miniscule compared to addressing the acoustic wave launch into the room and how it is received - IMO, of course...
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