Correction,
The Horning amp is`nt 300b based but my point remains the same.The overall quality of the amp matters more than the specific output tube and stated power ratings don`t tell the entire story. |
You already love the speaker with your Thoress 300b, this match may prove hard to beat. Your comment on the ZH270 is unique given it`s universal praise and top reviews. |
Dpe,
A 45 or 2A3 SET amp might be a bit of a stretch with your speakers, depends on room size, music volume etc.
I believe a good quality 845 amp would work very well with your Hornigs, just not sure if necessarily "better" than what you currently have. |
Trelja,
Dpe has already stated twice that he gets excellent results with his Thoress 300b, When it comes to 300b amplifiers there`s quite a range in terms of ultimate performance. Some have 'much' better transformers, stiffer power supplies and part quality than others.
Also much of the grunt/drive factor is influenced by the choice of driver tube. there are many variables that seperate 300b amps from average to outstanding.
To generalize is very in accurate.
Horning makes his own 300b amp, he must find them quite capable I`d assume. Some 300b amps would just be okay and there are others that would drive these Hornings to hell and back.
Best Regards, |
11flat6,
That effortless quality you refer to is priceless. When your system is capable of reproducing(retaining?) the ease and natural flow of music it`s indeed a wonderful achievement(and hard to live without once found).
At the RMAF this year I heard a number of rather expensive systems that lacked this quality and as a result they came off with a stiff and mechanical presentarion.
Best Regards, |
Trelja,
I must respectfully disagree with your 2A3/300b comparison, it just restatting the usual stereotypes(bass performance varies widely among 300b tubes and individual amps) Both are fine DHT tubes, one is`nt inherently better, Far too many choices of 300b(wide ranging quality) to neatly apply general characteristics. It you prefer the 2A3 no problem,it`s all subjective, I prefer the 300b. A high quality 300b amplifier SET or PP will drive the Horning wonderfully, as would a high quality 2A3(PP),211,845 etc.
The fact that Dpe is curious about other amps(who is`nt from time to time) does`nt mean he`s disatisfied with his current 300b amp(which he clearly indicates he is`nt).
IMO he should try other amps, he may find better or just different, maybe realize that his current set-up is best afterall, who knows.
Best Regards, |
JohnK,
My point exactly, you could audtion 5 different 300b amps in the same system and they would sound nothing alike. I`ve heard 2A3 amps sound great and others crappy.
Onemug, I would`nt advise a 300b SET to drive Maggies, but the Horning is an entirely different story.But your point in the effect of various 300b tubes as a 'driver' is spot on. |
Trelja,
I disagree with that based on my own experiences and I`ll just leave it alone from this point on. As long as we are both happy with our choices/results what else matters? |
Dpe,
Astute observations.
I would encourage you to try OTL and other amps with your Hornings .Your Thoress may best them all if your priority is realistic, natural and full sound.
I visit local jazz clubs fairly often and acoustic instruments heard live are very full bodied,dense and have deep tone saturation.The sound is dynamic and immediate but always full of body and tone.
It seems many current components follow the audiophile standard of detail emphasis and most tend to sound lean,dry,sterile etc. They don`t sound anything like what I hear live at all. A good SET amp in my own experience comes closer to the realistic-organic sound I hear in the clubs.
If that type of music presentation is what you desire, your amp may be hard to beat. Certaintly other amps will sound different but better? You`re starting with a very good baseline for comparisons.
Best of Luck, |
Hi 11flat6,
Just curious, which amp sounds more like live music the Lamm or the Kondo ? |
Trelja,
Like I said, preferences are what they are.It`s not important enough for me to debate about something as relatively trivial as the "better" DHT output tube.There`s no objective "test". Come on now, it`s just subjective, nothing more or less.Dpe can try some 2A3 amps and form his own conclusions vs his Thoress, no big deal.
Best Regards, |
Dev,
I use the Coincident Frankenstein 300b SET and their DHT Line Stage.I have had these two components and the Coincident
speakers for nearly 6 years and just love them.
Charles, |
Psag,
I can certainly believe that's a beautiful sounding match. |
Dev,
That's interesting because the Horning speakers are a 4 ohm load. Seemingly more towards push pull friendly than most SETs.
Charles, |
If the impedance curve is relatively flat that certainly is an asset. Generally speaking S ET amplifiers like to see a higher speaker ohm impedance. Driven very successfully with 3 watt amplifiers does attest to its easy to drive capabilities. |
Well, that makes sense to me. I for one certainly don't need to be sold on the advantages and benefits of high-quality SET amplification. I'm hooked for life.
Thanks,
Charles, |
By the way how did your former Sati 520b amp compare to the current 300b SET? I know you also used a Spectral amplifier at one timewith these speakers.
Charles, |
Amuseb1,
That sounds like a wonderful system you've put together. No doubt that it performs as beautifully as you describe. Your amplifier is another example of quality over quantity of power when matched with the right speakers. Congratulations to.
Charles, |
Hello Amuseb1,
Thanks for your informative reply, I really understand and relate to what you are expressing. I believe that the most important and precious attributes of audio components is to allow engagement and connection with our music. If the emotional involvement is lacking then all other sonic parameters no matter how impressive (bass,high volume, imaging etc.) are irrelevant and inadequate. It seems the Tektron certainly fulfills and meets these vital requirements.
Regarding the Frankenstein MK II, it is a wonderful 300b SET amplifier. I haven't any idea if it is superior to your Tektron. I can only tell you that it excels at emotional engagement and communicating the soul and joy of music.
Regarding your Horning speakers I'll finally be able to hear them next week at an audio show in Chicago. I'm been curious to listen to this speaker for quite some time.
Charles, |
I'll pass your greetings along to Jeff.
Charles, |
Hi Joe,
Your comparison of the Pass XA 30.8 and Frankenstein is similar to another gon member who replaced his Pass integrated amplifier with the Frankenstein. On the other hand reviewers Jack Roberts and Srajan Ebean chose the XA30.8 over their former 300b SET amplifiers. Once again demonstrating the obvious subjective nature of it all. I think that the Pass amplifiers sound good but I'd prefer a high quality SET just as you do. I'm glad you were able to compare both fine amplifiers in your system, there's no better way.
I listened to the Eufrodite driven by the New Audio Frontiers 845 SET amplifier at Axpona this weekend. The speakers had upper bass emphasis /hump that could be room interactions. Overall this speaker is very good IMO. Tone and timbre as well as dynamics and musical pace /flow were exceptionally good. The presentation is live like and involving.
I can see the Frankenstein and Eufrodite being a wonderful match just as you describe. Congratulations Joe.
Charles, |
Joe,
I'm curious, which amplifier do you prefer regarding the Pass Labs XA 30.8 and your First Watt? I was interested in the First Watt at one time (particularly the S.I.T.) but came to the realization that the Frankenstein is going to be my permanent amplifier. As you say, it just pushed all the right buttons in my system.
Charles, |
Thanks Joe,
I definitely trust your judgment and ears. You have three amplifiers that are highly regarded and that's why I was very interested in your direct listening experiences with them. If I weren't so happy with my Coincident Total Eclipse II speakers the Hornings would be on my very short list of speaker possibilities.
Charles, |
