Amplifier Pairing with Coherent 15s


Hello all,

About to finalize an order for a pair of Coherent 15s (yay!) and now I'm starting to look at possibilities for amplification for them. Since they are very efficient (I believe 106db efficiency), they can work well with flea amps+, so there's a wide range of possibilities.

I have a few criteria though: I would prefer an integrated amplifier vs separates/mono blocks, both for cost and space reasons, so something like AirTight is out (plus, a bit too expensive anyway). Looking around the $10k range at the higher end.

I don't listen to things super loud, and tend to prefer tube amplification. Music tends to lean majority Jazz, with some other things throw in here and there, but Jazz is the most important genre to get right.

Frank (from Coherent) recommended a couple -

Tektron Two 2A3/50S-i
Mastersound Compact 300B

Some others I've looked into:

Tektron Two 211-i
LTA ZOTL Ultralinear Integrated

I do have a few concerns with hand-crafted, more 'custom' made amps, especially by manufacturers overseas (I'm in the US) - mainly inability to demo them and ease of service/warranty. They also tend to be more difficult to sell in the case of deciding to go a different route, though this is of a lesser concern.

Anyone have any experience with any of these, have any other suggestions to explore, or any other comments?

 

128x128mmcgill829

Wide and deep soundstage, wonderful midrange and vocals, not overly harsh on the top end, full bass without being too sloppy. Overall, I lean toward liking the slightly more lush/musical tube amps I’ve had in the past vs the hybrids/solid states.

Very helpful stuff. Given that I’d look at the Audio Hungary Qualiton X200 or VAC is also worth a good look. If you can entertain a SET amp the Allnic T-1500 Mk2 could be a really nice amp given what you’re looking for.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I have to second the recommendation for the Audio Research I-50. It is an amazing, musical, natural sounding integrated amp. I recently auditioned a Luxman, Pass, and the Audio Research integrated. The Luxman had great knobs and flashy faceplate ($10K), the Pass had great power and excellent rhythm and pace ($10k), but the Audio research caused ne to instantly close my eyes and be completely emursed in the music ($6K)… what a deal!

Oh, another I have been looking at is the Triode Lab 2A3 EVO, but know next to nothing about them.

I am powering my 12’s with a Coincident Dynamo 34SE MKIII amp that puts out a whopping 8 watts. Which is more than enough power for the 12s to sing.

The Coincident is being fed by a Don Sachs 6SN7 linestage.

 

@nordicnorm :

I am powering my 12’s with a Coincident Dynamo 34SE MKIII amp that puts out a whopping 8 watts. Which is more than enough power for the 12s to sing.

The Coincident is being fed by a Don Sachs 6SN7 linestage.

Good to know! The 15s are even more efficient, so the little fleas will probably do well!

How are you liking your 12s?