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Which tube int. amp to pair with Spendor S3/5

I've been using my S3/5's with a little Creek 4330R for a while now, but I think it's time to go with tubes. I've been thinking about these 2:

PrimaLuna Prologue One
Jolida 302B

I've had my eye on the Jolida for a while now, but just recently heard about the PrimaLuna. They both are EL-34 based giving the midrange that I crave. It seems the Prima may have better build quality, and assembly....but I am not sure the Prima's 35W can equal the 302B's 50W. The spendors are very inefficient at 84dB, but I heard their load is quite favorable with tube amps.

I don't know, if 35W is enough for the S3/5 then I might just have to go for the PrimaLuna, or should I stick with the tried-and-true 302B's? What are your thoughts on these amps?
alan2990

Showing 1 response by ghunter

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ghunter
164 posts
 
I have a pair of S3/5se upstairs paired with an Exposure 3010 integrated and it sounds wonderful. When we moved last month I hooked the little Spendors up to my Audio Research VS110-driven system before I took them upstairs, and I have to say that the solid state Exposure amp just gives them that much more oomph and drive. I was rather underwhelmed with them on the ARC amp, and they sounded thin relative to when driven by the ss gear. Keep in mind that ARC has some of the best dynamics you can find in tube gear...

I'd recommend you keep on looking for better ss amps to pair with them instead of going tubes, if you're determined to keep these speakers. I've only ever heard stellar reviews of the Lavardin from friends of mine who have heard it in the flesh.
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