I need help with an amp decision


Equipment: Tannoy xt 8 (91 dB/Watt sensitivity and 400 Watt peak power ), REl s/510, Black ice f360, and an audiobyte black dragon dac. 
Room size:17x21x10h
Music preference, everything but rap and pop, 
question: Can I get some suggestions regarding a solid-state amp choice for this system, please.
I can not use mono amps because of the sub and I really do not want to go the route of a tube amp. 
Two amps I have been thinking about are the benchmark AHb2 or a first watt ?, I will be trying to shop the used market. Any suggestions, would help. thank you

128x128gunmetalzin

Showing 3 responses by mulveling

I ran Tannoys somewhat like yours years ago (Tannoy Eyris DC3), plus I’ve had many more Tannoys. They do well very with Rogue tube amps for the money, and I can whole-heartedly recommend these (especially a Stereo 100 or Stereo 90 Super-Magnum), but you specifically requested SS. I’m sure Rogue’s hybrids (Hydra, Dragon, Pharaoh) sound quite good, but I just never felt the desire to jump into class D so I haven’t tried them. Also I’m very much not a fan of the 12au7 tubes they use in their front-end - I can tolerate *some* 12au7 in a tube circuit, but these are literally the only tubes in these hybrids.

I also have had great pleasure running Tannoys with the Parasound Halo series amplifiers. Even the entry level A23 (today’s A23+ should be even better) should sound amazing with your Tannoys. And you can move up from there, as you like (A21, used JC-1). Wonderful, warm and smooth sound not totally unlike tubes, but with the punch and power of SS. Music lovers can truly enjoy the Tannoy DC / Parasound combination.
I wouldn’t be happy with just 25 Watts @ 91 dB/Watt in OP’s relatively large room, but I do like to play loud. I’ve had 93dB Tannoys and upgraded from 25 - 35 Watts to 70 and then 100, and it was notable each time. This will depend on listening habits, but it’s something for OP to keep in mind. Yeah, I know 1 Watt can be "hella loud". It can also be completely inadequate at other times.

I've seen Tannoy lovers with Pass labs amps so it must be a good match, but usually they're using the higher powered models. Again, depending on budget, I think a Parasound Halo A21 or A21+ could be a good way to go here.
LOL I don’t know if MC is trolling or if he really likes the DNA amps. MC - I do really enjoy your posts and passion, though we don’t always agree.

Tannoys do very well with SS amps that are smooth and maybe a bit on the warm side, so if the DNA amp is like that it’ll be a good match.