Amp recommendations for Tannoy Canterbury SE

Are you using pentode or triode mode with the Ayon's.

I haven't heard the Canterbury SE yet, but damn do I lust for them. I've had no problems with Rogue Apollo tube monoblocks (250 Watts/ch) on my Kensington SE, or on the Yorkminster SE. In fact, you can run the gamut of sonic flavors/attributes - from lean bass to heavy bass to a wonderful balance - by tube rolling. Both small-signal and output tubes yield huge impact on the Prestige models I've heard. Preamp/phono/etc. Actually, at this point, pretty much every little detail imparts a huge impact. The EH KT90 comes to mind as a good tube for making the bass sound leaner and (seemingly) faster without sacrificing *too* much impact. The Tung-Sol KT120, on the other hand, is perfect if your system is a bit lean. I've also used a Rogue Hera II preamp as well as a VAC Ren Mk III. Both excellent, both with notably different sonic results.

The Yokie's 95dB was clearly advantageous over the Kensington's 93dB (the latter showing restricted dynamics on < 80 Watts). I can't imagine the Canterbury, at 96dB, would pose any problems for a 100W tube amp. You've definitely got to dial these speakers in with the right positioning, seating location, toe-in, etc, and then lock in the right tube recipe. Say 6-9 ft apart and 6-9 feet to seating - a slightly elongated equaliateral triangle - tends to work well for many Tannoys. Give them at least a meter from the front wall. Also, doesn't the Canterbury SE feature a variable tuning port? That's yet another significant parameter to play with :)

I've also heard the Yorkminster SE on a VAC Beta 160 integrated (80 Watts/ch tube) - once again, sounded great, with no issues in the bass. BTW, the Yorkies have absolutely stunning bass - speed, impact, and extension. No discernable dips/bumps; absolutely PERFECT integration with the midrange. Have to admit, they clobber my Kensingtons in this respect. I can't imagine that the Canterbury are too far off that, unless they're stuffed into a really bad room. On the other hand, there are flavor differences along the Prestige line, and (at least compared to the Kensington) the Yorkminster sounds more up you alley.

You're not going to make a Tannoy Prestige sound like a Wilson, a YGA, etc. But if you're one that drinks the dual-concentric kool aid (like me), then you're in for a lovely time once you get all these parameters set to your liking.

Also, as mentioned above - for tube amps with a triode/UL switch, that can make a big difference too! I easily prefer Ultralinear mode on my Rogue Apollos; the dynamics, bass snap & impact just sound muted in triode. The mids are a tiny bit smoother and more seductive in triode, but the differences in bass are not so subtle.

2 more options in addition to the ones that I mentioned in the other thread:

1) Rogue M-180's

2) Bel Canto Ref500m or Ref1000m

I've used both of these with really very good results with the Prestige series. If you would like to go solid state, I was quite taken back by how good the Bel Cantos sounded with the Tannoys. The Rogue M-180's also seem to be a very, very nice match.

I've never heard the Ayons you have in person, but I am somewhat surprised that they are not giving you your desired results.

***Tannoy, Rogue and Bel Canto dealer disclaimer***

Are your Canterburys broken-in? If not, my pair of Kensington needed 1000-1500 hours.

Mulveling makes good points. You have to work with placement, tubes and stuff before you give up on Ayon. Tannoys with pepperpot and alnico are very transparent to every little change.

From my experience Manley amps are dream stuff with high-end Tannoys.

- Manley importer disclaimer -