Totem response re: recommended tube amp for Sttaf


Pauly suggested contacting Totem for tube amp recommendations for my Sttaf speakers. They responded in kind and indicated that the Sttaf "is a wonderful loudspeaker that can be paired to tube electronics with great success". I say "Kool!".

They even make suggestions:

"in an average sized listening room (15 x 15) we would recommend a minimum of 40 watts to reach maximum dynamics". Hey, there are lots of amps here to pick from in my budget. Then they say something giberish like " in class "A" single ended the sttaf will only need 15 watts, but these amp are generally quite expensive for a good design". Sounds like expensive giberish to me. I don't think I need to know what all that even means (although I am considering an 80 watts class "A" ss amp- but its not all that expensive).

Then they even recommend some amps (I wonder if they get any kickbacks:-).

"a good compromise between power and performance is a push pull configuration a unit such as prima luna prologue I or II ($) is a very nice amp considering its asking price other nice offerings include

manly stingray ($$)

canary audio ($$)

audio research vsi55 ($$$)

air tight ACT 1 ($$$$)"

The $$$ and $$$$ amps I don't want to even look up. The prime luna prologue was suggested to me in another thread and is fixed in my sights. Does anyone know anything about the Manely Stingray (they spelled it wrong)? Wow what a BEAUTIFUL looking machine!! And I even like the name. You could build a room around this piece. Not many sites to explore for this one (not mentioned on audiogon that I could find). You can find a review at http://www.stereotimes.com/amp030100.shtml .

I'm enlightened. I've got the tube amp on the brain so much now that I already have a place in mind in the living room to show case it.

I think I only have to remember that:
Self biasing and EL 34 are good things.
Cayin 70T, Consonance, and Prima Luna Prologue I or II are my main targets (I think Jolida is there too).

The hunt continues.
djh

Showing 1 response by bonger

djh,

I'll say what other have said already and hope this gives you full confidence for tubes and sttafs.

My system was previously mated with sttafs & cayin a88t. there was never a problem with enough power. speakers sounded lively, open, just overall pleasant to listen too.

Now, my cayin is now paired with Arros (even more difficult to drive) and again, the sound is fabulous.

P.S. both sttafs & arros were driven by solid state Bryston, NAD & Marantz with double the power on paper, but the tubes just sounded better!