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Ancient Ohms

Recently, I opened up a couple of cabinets i obtained years ago.

The woofer is an AK 121 and the horn is a GP1, 550Hz 3-cell horn. The cabinets were marketed in Canada as Vitavox Bitone 3200 speaker units. The drivers themselves are in excellent condition and sound like that as well. I believe each driver is 15 ohm. What should I be concerned about when trying to buy a small amp for these? I’m using a sub-standard, solid-state receiver amp right now but wonder if a tube amp might be more appropriate?


Any thoughts?
128x128sound22card
4 responses Add your response
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,575 posts
 
^^ +1
And you won't be able to damage an amplifier with them.
rodman99999
5,984 posts
 
As long as their surrounds aren't torn, you could probably hurt your ears first, with anything over 35 WPC, unless you have a rather large room and enjoy high SPLs.  Virtually any vintage tube amp, will have 16 Ohm taps and as easy time driving them.    Relax and have fun.
sound22card's avatar
sound22card OP
26 posts
 
I was more concerned with the 15 ohm speakers.  What limitations should I look for in a small amp with them.  I don't want to mismatch them or cause damage.
rodman99999
5,984 posts
 
Those were mostly used for commercial installation(ie: movie theaters). They’re pretty efficient, so- don’t need much power, as you’ve undoubtedly noticed. As far as amps and, "appropriate": that only depends on your tastes. Given their rep for being rather tipped-up in presentation, you may prefer the sonics of an older(unmodified), warmer-colored, tube amp or receiver(Fisher/Scott/Dynaco/Eico/Marantz/McIntosh). Just depends on your perceptions/dedication/finances.
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