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Amp for Dahlquist DQ-10

I have recently discovered this site and appreciate the opportunity to learn about audio from the knowledgable people the participate in this forum.

I have a pair of DQ-10's that I bought new in the late 70's. They always seemed under powered by my Hafler DH-200, but still sounded great. I'm using a Crown IC-150 pre-amp.

I recently purchased an Adcon 555 power amp. That seemed to perk the DQ's up quite a bit and with it my interest in refreshing my system. I'm now considering either replacing the Crown preamp or adding a second Adcom 555 power amp, but I'm not sure which change will give me the most bang for the buck. If the replacement of the preamp is the best route, I'm interested in hearing suggestions of which preamps will mate well with the 555.

Since I will likely be buying used equipment online and won't be able to listen before I buy, I wanted to see if anyone here was willing to offer a suggestion.
laffer
laffer OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback. Based on what I've learned from this thread, and some additional research, I'm currently leaning toward adding a GFP 750. It looks like I'll have to spend $600 - $800 if I go this route, but it'll be worth it. While the Crown preamp has been a great and reliable component, it appears to be the weak link in the systemat this time.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Hi Laffer,
I recommend that you do everything that you can to audition Adcom gear with your DQ10's. We have all learned the hard way that all of our ears are different, but for me, there is no question that I would develop fatigue fairly quickly with Adcom and Dahlquist. DQ-10's are detailed, revealing and without mods a touch light on the bass, DQ-10's will get edgey with some equipment.
Now after all of that said, If you like the Crown/Adcom combination, forget all the above. The GFP-750 will lunch it in every aspect. Good Listening, Tim
oldcoder
1 posts
 
I am running DQ-10s with the LP1 and 2 DQ subwoofers. The subs made a big difference, taking the load off the woofers reduced the distortion quite a bit.

I have used solid state, tube amps and hybrid amps with the 10's as satellite speakers, and they seem to like the tubes the best.
laffer OP
4 posts
 
I've thought that going the subwoofer route would be appealing with the DQ-10s. That way I could avoid the second 555.

Do you think that the Dahlquist subs are key, or would another quality sub do the job?
soundoc03
4 posts
 
You could go with another sub but the LP-1 is essential. I had mine recapped and uprgraded op-amps as well. I use only one W-1 bass module. I also had my DQ-10 recapped by Regnar and power them with a pair of Luxman MB-3045s. I have a McIntosh MX-110 pre-amp/tuner which was modded by Richard Modafferi so you can see I have invested a lot in to this system.
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