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Integrated tube amplifier for large speakers

Hello,

Looking for some advice on Tubes and Floor standing Speakers.
Although I liked my system, now I am forced to upgrade my speakers (Bowers & Wilkins 705 monitors) and probably my Jolida JD 202 integrated tube amplifier due new room’s dimensions. I moved from a small space to a very large 950 sqft loft with 15 ft ceilings.
So I looked up for options within my budget and came across the following:

-Bowers & Wilkins CM9 (89 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:30-200w
-Focal Aria 926 (91.5 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier: 40-250w
-Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 (90 db Sensitivity) 6 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:40-300w

*I am aware that speakers’ impedance constantly fluctuates and that the newer B&W 700 series behaves more like 4 ohms, probably the CM series did to, but I am not sure how good small tube amps are at handling these impedences.

Jolida states that the JD 202 Integrate amp has a Rated Output Power of 40 W per channel at 8 ohms, 30Hz to 80KHz and a Maximum Power Output of 60 W per channel at 8 ohms, 1KHz.
Wrote Focal and they said it shouldn’t be a problem, but.....

Would this humble amp be able to run those speakers?
On paper it seems that it barely does.
I don’t listen to music at loud levels, however, I want to make sure I am not pushing the small amp to its limits.

How many watts per channel do you think are needed to power those large speakers and would you have any recommendations for integrated tube amplifier below $1500-2000 (used) ?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Josep



mamifero
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I would buy the speakers first and see how well your Jolida drives them. As far as which taps to use try both to see which gives you the better sound.
If you decide to change out the amp you might want to research a Cary SLI-80. There are a couple of used units for sale on this site within your budget (no affiliation). It offers a lot of flexibility with regard to tube type and can switch from triode to ultralinear on the fly. Plus Cary offers part upgrades like capacitors and the like to improve performance. All in all a fun amp to play with and won't break the bank.

Chuck
eag618's avatar
eag618
85 posts
 
Good morning folks!I have been looking and in a similar situation, I am considering the Jolida S3502 ($1700) integrated and maybe a pair of KT88's or 120's and the Tekton Design Pendragons ($2000) or Enzo's at 96-98 dB
http://www.tektondesign.com/pendragon.htmlThe 3502S should have zero problems riving the TD's and quite capable of filling your space!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,260 posts
 
What about a Rogue Cronus Magnum?  It's 100wpc and should drive the speakers effortlessly.  The amp uses 4 KT120 output tubes.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
You need to put away the specs and step back for a second.  I agree with the speaker first approach.  there are a ton of options depending on what you want to spend.  There are many speakers that will work great with tubes, but also with SS if you want to switch.  

I have to say that I personally love the Vandersteen's. They are outstanding with both tubes and SS adn they will play plenty loud with any of the amps listed so far.  Another suggesting for an integrated amp is a SS one.  The smaller Belles integrated amp is under 2k I believe.  Right now, it's my favorite inexpensive integrated amp (they are about to release their monster integrated).  

Most Vandy dealers sell those Rogue amps as they are outstanding values for tubes.  There is a reason that Vandersteen's are the best selling high end speaker of all time (the 2's).  I'd make sure to give those a try along with the similarly priced Focal's, B&W's or anything else.  
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,789 posts
 
I have a 14’ ceiling and it sounds freaking fantastic with Vandersteen 
Rudy Van Gelder had vaulted ceilings in his coveted and world famous recording studio !!!!!
anyway
always, always try out the various transformer taps for best sound....
trust your ears

unless you have a short ( emphasis on YOU ! ) between the headsets...

some fantastic tube values right now:
Rogue
VTL
Quicksilver
Atmasphere
ARC

and of course Bedini.



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