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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
1,270 posts
 
@charles1dad 

Several other Vitus owners said the same thing and they were using 98 db high efficiency speakers; maybe that's why we see this amp matched up with Magico or YG Acoustics in reviews, a very dynamic speaker with aluminum type drivers.

After speaking with them, it peaked my curiosity since they were totally satisfied with their LM 219 IA 22 Watt SET and the 508 IA was recently released. Triode from Japan was on my list as well and is what Robert uses during shows (Mono Block) but the 22 Watt Integrated was over $9K and LM has the same build quality with twice the power solidified my decision... Not sure if there is a sound difference between 845 or 805 tubes? 

Wig
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Wig,
It's very interesting to me how tubes are often chastised as yesterday's technology and their "noise" issues yet they continue to survive  (and sound superb when done properly). Surely on technical grounds the Vitus trounces the 1930s technology of the Line Magnetic's SET topology.  You owned both and let the ears decide. I'll concede the Vitus may just mate better with a different speaker. I've no doubt that your LM 508ia is fabulous with the Crescendos. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I'd love to hear a direct comparison of the Lyngdorf and the LM 508ia.  This is the epitome of old school  versus New school 😊😊
Charles 
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charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Not sad IMO if the modern all in digital  one box solution actually sounds better, that’s the question.I will buy a one box component if it has superior sound quality compared to what I currently have. Best sound wins.
Charles 
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