Spatial X5 speakers

@jaymark by chance did you happen to see the post on AC about Don Sachs, tube amplification, and talk about 100+ hours of burn in on the X5s? Not just the woofer drivers, but AMTs will change too with time https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=171745.0

As you likely know by now, AMTs can sound glorious when paired with capable tube amps. I’m noting your comments about the upcoming modded X150.5 next.

Maybe you can use the Pass 150 amp to burn in the Spatials, and after you get 200hrs on the X5s, go back to the Don Sachs tube amp and try again for tube bliss on the X5/AMTs :) Curious to read your reports later after all is fully run in and settled. Happy listening.

@jaymark good to know.  A great position to be in, at least the speakers are good to go awaiting whatever amp you have to throw at it.  I'm following along with your progress now, while helping a remote friend looking at some form of efficient [brand new] AMT based speakers. Maybe X5s for him. I do my own custom amt builds. 

Sure seems like you are in the sweets spot for your X5s having both of these amps in your fleet. I can partially understand why, and would likely test the same as you.  

Just wondering, since you already have the DS-65 tube amp, was there something which caused the need to try/go to the X150.5 instead, or did you already have that amp prior?   

Same type questions as @hilde45 to Spatial owners or those doing demos.

SS: Why are some of the Spatial owners here feeling compelled to run big 150w Pass Labs and big 300w PSA BHK solid state amps with these 97db speakers?

TUBE: How about some history from anyone around trying some lower power "softer" 300B, or 211/845, SET or PSE [TUBE] triode amps; or maybe even some lower power EL34/KT88 pentode mono tube amps?

What are we missing. Please share more, thanks!

@ozzy62 As I mentioned before, the 20 watts of a Decware Torii were not enough to drive X3s to a satisfying level.

Good to know.  A colleague of mine did not have much luck with his DW Tori II either. He resold it for other SET amps with half the power, and much more satisfied now. Not sure what's up with that amp or driving it with the right preamp. Definitely worth re-trying with other amps, with some hefty transformer iron behind it. Finding a good synergy with some amps and speakers can be a challenge. :)  

A related "Spatial M3 vs. what-Amps-to-use"  thread on similar topics just two years ago, for what its worth...

Good reference point @wassaicwill 

Yes, LTA sells a package with the (13-watt) LTA Z10 amp and Spatial M3 speakers.

SYSTEM: Z10 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER + SPATIAL AUDIO M3 SAPPHIRE SPEAKERS + LAMPIZATOR AMBER 3 DAC + FREE ANTICABLES SPEAKER WIRES

@jaymark Totally on the same page with you about trying different amps and not just looking at wattage alone. The Pass XA-25 and some of the Firstwatt amps have proven that its more about quality than quantity of watts. Select output transistors and quality big iron transformers help. Btw, I like the older .5 amps too. While I’m wrapped up on SS and mostly into tube mono amps any more, I still admire a few select ss amps. Following to learn what tube guys are doing with Spatial now in the mid-power 40-60w range, not into fleawatt tube or high power SS any more.

@jaymark It's great to see a follow-up from you after 500hrs.  Very helpful to others looking I'm sure.  Some people dive in here at A'gon, ask many questions, dive out, disappear, and never report back on findings. Your follow-up is appreciated.  Happy listening!  :)