40+ watts SET, cost is not a problem


Friends,

Hope everyone is well here. I am visiting after a long time. I have a query on behalf of a close buddy of mine. He is using a pair of TAD CR1x loudspeakers. Gorgeous speakers for sure. The source is an EMT 927 TT & JPA66 preamp. For the amplification things are getting tricky. He has tried the TAD M700s reference power amp and while it sounds very controlled, it doesn't have the openness and dimensionality of tone that a good tube/SET amp provides. We are considering trying a good SET for this system. Given that TAD needs some power blossom well and expand on effortlessly, at least 40 watts of SET power would be needed. The quick choices are Kondo Kagura & Wavac HE833 Mk2. But I need more suggestions on these and other comparative products.

1. Has anyone heard the Kondo and Wavac gears to suggest a comparison? I am just a bit worried on the amount of Silver used in Kondo. I have normally found that silver takes away something from the flow and harmonics. Tell me more about it.

2. What other options can be considered in this realm? No SS please. Looking for SET options primarily.

 

Room size is moderate 17 x 13 feet. Music preferred are classic rock, jazz, pop and some classical

 

pani

My only regret I did not buy the tsakadiris preamp.The store owner kept increasing the price.I got turned off and did not make a deal. Still I thank the store for carrying this brand.TVAD heard my system using ss . It sounds not good. That is  20yrs ago when he visited Chicago it was the time . I don’t have listening skills. And knowledge. Grant stop by listen to my system I will treat you good delicious pizza.

By the Way TVAD is a very nice guy. Like Davidten.Who both visited my place. Skhong was scheduled to visit but unable due to food poisoning. He miss Axpona 2024 as well.

Have you considered an OTL amp?  Atma-Sphere makes some excellent product that may open up the sound of that system.

@tvad 

the symbiosis with Audio Note amplification and loudspeakers cannot be replicated. One without the other is handcuffing the possibilities, and those amps are very expensive

Interesting. I wasn't aware that the Audio Note components were so specifically tied (Synergistic ) to their siblings in order to extract the very best sound quality they're capable of.

Charles

@charles1dad If you or anyone else is interested here is some writing on the Ankoru but Andy Grove the designer, interesting stuff.