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Amp for Acoustic Zen Crescendo 2 ?

Hello all,
I have these speakers for 2 months now and want to move on to a tube amp of 50 - 60 wpc or so, or a SS amp that fits the bill..  My current amp is an Ayre V-5xe.  I'm looking for an amp to sweeten up the top end and has a midrange that does vocals full and articulate, even if that means colored.  The Ayre is a great amp but I think there is a better match out there.  I'll have to save up for used, under $5K.  I'm especially interested with what actual owners would say, as well as their system specifics, but all comments welcome.  Acoustics and speaker placement are fixed and substandard.  That's just the way it goes at our house.
I'm using a steel arm VPI TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ARC PH-7 and REF 3.  Thanks.

wlutke
wig's avatar
wig
1,202 posts
 
Charles1dad,

With only 12 hours on the EMLs, they're a little more transparent but it took my Sophia's 56 hours for them to wake-up.  Looking forward to more hours but the XLS are not recommeneded with the 508 circuitry.

Wig
wig's avatar
wig
1,202 posts
 
@ Grannyring

Should have the Duelund DCA 16 ga in two weeks when back orders are in stock. Read a reviewer saying to single and run Deulund up both binding posts; bought enough to try as speaker cables.

Wig

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Wig,
Yes I assumed you’re using the EML standard 300b. This is a premium brand and all of their various tubes are held in high regard. Another asset is their reputation for reliability and longevity. Wig I find it interesting that the powerful Vitus amplifier seem to lack dynamic impact with your Crescendos. . As I’ve often written, there’s no substitute for actually listening to an audio product.
Charles
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Wig, I also run a single wire up the bass to the high frequencies with no jumpers. Simply strip some 5 inches of the Duelund wire and wrap around each post in a continuous run. No connectors needed for best sound. Now I liked the 16 gauge a lot, but found the 12 gauge had a tad more body and weight. The 12ga is a tad less lively than the 16 ga. For me that was a good thing.

Now the Western Electric 10 gauge is also,very, very special and the warmest of the three. It happens to be what I am using right now. Here is a link to the wire I am now using.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/per-foot-Western-Electric-AIW-10ga-STRANDED-cloth-covered-gray-PAIR-/2316636...

I did aother mod to my Crescendos. Ha! Pretty soon they need to be called another speaker! I used Soundcoat constrained layer damping to damp each of the woofer frame baskets. I like the result thus far.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Hello all,

Bill are you considering the 508ia for your system,If you get one let us know how you like it.

Wig,thank you for all the good info on the 508ia,I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying it.

Charles,

As I’ve often written, there’s no substitute for actually listening to an audio product.

I have always found it to be just priceless and really no better way than to try out different products in my own system,room,and music.

I received a text from my friend that has the 508ia and he said that they are going on vacation in 2 weeks and I could borrow his amp while they are gone but only if I promise him that I will not do any mods to it.Lol.When he comes back from vacation I will loan him my LTA gear for a weekend.


Kenny.
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