Tannoy Westminster amp matching question.

Lived with the Westminster and Westminster Royal for almost 10yrs straight ('91-'00). Tried/owned countless tube amps ranging from flea watts Ongaku, Audion, few Carys, few Jadises, many many VTLs (right through their 200w triode double decker Ichibans).

While most mesmerizing tonality was that of the Ongaku's. I too found best served (most musically balanced overall) running large Tannoys with good old push pull amps then - VTL90 Monos (90w triode), 4xWE300B/side. The Cary CAD805 (50w) coming in close second.

True, SETs - Ongaku (especially), as well Cary 300SE, or even Audion, all had in varying doses that seductive 'almost to die for midrange spell' (esp.on vocals, pianos, strings etc.), However, given certain recorded materials/volume level, I often felt that they too (the 8-15watters) are somewhat compromised, loosing control/kinetic feel at times of those two huge 15" drivers.

As such, were I to do it over this time around, a well designed PP triode / OTL / SET (211, 845?) amps *caveat, minimal of 25watts and up will be my preferred choice. *Still fondly remembered of how beautifully 'Ella' sang through with effortless musicality via the 300Bs - 'unforgettable'.. Congrats on those beautiful speakers - post pictures when you get them!

Not to debate as to which approach is best. Just thought of sharing my real living
experience with them. I supposed one's listening habit - type of music, genres,
loudness - do play an important role here too.

Sold my Ongaku to a close friend using AudioNote corner speakers - match made in
heaven. My Cary300SE to a guy using AG Trios, again perfect synergy. Just trying to
point out here that although spec wise seems OK--SET friendly, IME, the Tannoys 15"
take a little more than 8-15watts, to fully explore/exploit their FULL potentials - in
utter effortlessness, grandeur (scale), as well - true deep bass (dynamic).

Remembered, we did tests with Sheffield Drum Tracks + few other test CDs, Hugh
Masakela Stimela track, Superman's/StarTrek's Themes back then. When some tracks
containing sustained low bass/huge dynamic swings/effects (ie.rolling thunder, church
organs etc.) started playing, it was quickly obvious that the lower power SETs are a no
go with Tannoy WRs. On the other hand, with most normal music at more normal
listening levels - they are sublime.

So, if total versatility is also a priority, best option is to then keep two variants to play
with for when mood swings!? :p SET+PP / SET+OTL!

*During those toying days, I've always kept my old (then new) FMA611 SS as standby -
never once did they (in any comparison) disappoint the slightest bit even amidst
(against) those tube greats, surpassing expectations, so much so that I've kept them
(the only amp) for 20yrs straight. So there you have it, 'another' viable option to look
at! ;))

Good luck with whichever route you chose to take!

Charles1dad,
We have a somewhat similar perspective as to what generally constitute and of upmost importance in music reproductions. Actually hardly ever listen to those aforementioned test tracks etc, except during test sessions/gatherings with fellow 'philes. Concerning those extra watts, to me is like having seat-belt ; depending on driver, will probably never be called for into a life saving circumstance, but good to know that its always there when needed--for you'll never know what might just lurks around each and every bend. ;) But yes, at the end of the day, its the majority of 'real music' that count, and what makes its owner happiest is all that matter.. Best.

Borg7x9,
If you want your WR to 'disappear' better whilst allowing for deeper controlled bass, try placing them on the short side (toed in), and pull them 5-6ft away from rear wall.. My room when I had them was similar, around 6.5m W x 11m L. My time with WRs was interesting in that akin to the old Chess saying, 'minutes to learn, a lifetime to master'.. Easy to set-up and make sing, not so upon optimization. Besides positioning (for depth, disappearing), you might also want to control their cabinet vibrations a little (better image specificity, tighter bass). Enjoy your journey and have fun while at it!

Gregm,
I'm afraid yes, same amp.. Comparable mids, better highs (surprisingly) compared to the best I had then.. Needless to say the bass. Truly enjoyed the long learning curve I had with them. Cheers!

Mikedimitrov,
I agree TWs do need power, but not necessarily - more better. In my case I've tried most VTLs of that era ('85-'95) - from 100w-500watters. While their Ichibans (EL34s 200w triodes) works superbly, their own 90w (WE 300Bs) kill it, simply sublime. Generally, I'd try avoid classic tubby sounding amps with them, ime - they are much better driven by the more neutral SET/OTL tonality types, and 50w and up are best.

Certain SS amps too could make them sing just as wonderfully though.. Enjoy your TWs!

Borg, as per my earlier postings I concur with yours and Atma's recent findings.
In my case, it was SS FM Acoustics 611 (250w class A), or if tube, the mid powered VTL90s (4 x WE300Bs/side) 90w P/P triode that did the job best w/my old TWRs.
Must've been a long winding and road (frustrating at times I know), glad you're finally 'there' with your preference--well at least for now.. ;) Enjoy!

*typo : long and winding road ;p