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"Last" system puzzle piece - Tube amp option

My reference system is pretty much done except for wanting to have another amplifier option. Currently using and very much enjoying a GamuT D200i with a Shindo Vosne-Romanee to drive Verity Amadis speakers. Sources are a Well Tempered Versalex (though an Auditorium 23 T2 SUT), Basis Signature 2500 (through a Nagra VPS), Technics 1500 R2R, dCS Puccini & U-Clock, and Kenwood L-01T FM tuner. ICs are Auditorium 23. Speaker cable is Wireworld Silver Eclipse 6. Power conditioning is via a Running Springs Haley. I made the "mistake" of auditioning the Nagra VPA monoblocks. In a word - WOW! But before I consider buying such expensive amplification to alternate with the GamuT, I was hoping to learn about other tube amplifier options that any of you know or believe I should consider. I listen mostly to classical, jazz, blues, and vocals, and I do like to listen at moderate and above levels. The GamuT does an excellent job, but I am smitten with the VPAs and hence my interest in a tube amplifier option. I would like to keep the cost under $20K and I prefer to buy new electronics. Many thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions!

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107

Showing 4 responses by 4musica44107

4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Onemug - Thanks for your response. I have actually heard the Nagra VPAs with at least two and possibly three speakers - Vandersteen, Verity (but not the Amadis), and possibly DeVore. None of these listening sessions were in my system. I agree that some tube amps play nicely with certain speakers and others not so much. I am hoping to especially hear from some other Verity speaker owners using tube amps, or at least from those who have heard Verity speakers impressively driven by tube amplification.

It is my understanding that Verity sometimes uses Nagra amps at shows, for whatever that info is worth!

BTW, after I started this thread, I did some more reading, and it appears that the newest Leben stereo amplifier (CS-1000?) could be a good match. But that amp is so new that there might not be anyone who has heard it yet with Verity speakers. What I really wish is that Shindo made an amplifier that could drive the Amadis with ease for the music I want to listen to and at the volume levels I enjoy.

Thanks again for your comments.

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Sibelius - Thank you for the suggestion. I guess it would not hurt to arrange an audition, but it is hard to imagine that 20 watts a side is going to drive the Amadis properly when listening to something like large-scale classical music. And it is my understanding that the Amadis, despite its 93db sensntivity, has a bit of a challenging impedance curve, so much so that I had already pretty much ruled out the much more powerful Shindo CC 80s. That said, it would be great if Shindo amplification would do the trick!

So thank you. I will reconsider Shindo and perhaps arrange auditions.

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Larryi - Thank you. The comments by you and others reinforce my decision to audition two of the Shindo monoblock offerings. I have heard of Wyetech and Atmasphere but am not familiar with their products. I appreciate knowing about those amps, but I believe I will begin with Shindo since they are available locally, and if they work for me, I will finally get to experience the much-praised Shindo synergy magic.

Phaelon - I was pleased to read that you liked the VPAs with Verity, especially the Parsifals which I understand are a bit difficult to drive. Out of curiosity, though, what speakers did you hear the VPAs with and not like the pairing as much as you did with the Verity speakers?

Thank you both for your comments and suggestions.

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Phaelon - Thank you for sharing in more detail your past listening experience with the VPAs. I guess if I do end up with the VPAs, my choice of the Amadis would apparently prove to be serendipitous. But I do still intend to give Shindo amps a listen, and I have not ruled out also listening to the aforementioned new Leben CS-1000P if one should become available locally for audition.

What differences do you recall hearing between the VPAs and BATs with Verity speakers? If you had an overall preference for one over the other, what sonic trait(s) was/were the basis for your preference.

Again, many thanks for your comments thus far, and any other information you can recall and are willing to share.

Regards,
Steven
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