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Need amp suggestions for Hedlund Horns....

A few months ago, I heard a Cary 300b amp hooked up to some small monitors and was blown away... so the itch to upgrade started.

I just bought used a pair of Hedlund horns... came with it (free) was a diy homemade tube amp that does not sound adequate (based on what I heard these horns can do).

I’m in the market for a used amp that would be the ideal match for these Hedlunds. From what I read, I have several options such as 300b, 2A3, etc. but what would you recommend?  I've never had a low-power SET amp before.  

My room is 25’x 30’ with vaulted ceilings (large enough), wood floors, fairly open. I listen to everything from classic jazz, horns, classical, vocals, and the occasional rock. I would love to have some volume to feel the energy and texture of the song.


128x128ramoneo14
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ramoneo14,
You could very well get along fine with a 2A3 SET given the characteristics of your Hedlund speakers. I don’t know how you determined that you prefer the sound signature of the 2A3 without hearing examples of these amplifier. As you’ve discovered there are many choices available in the DHT SET genre.

Somehow you need to find a way to hear a variety of SETs to get some idea of what differences exist among them. You heard the Cary 300b SET and were impressed with it, other brand 300b SETs will have different presentations. It can be somewhat challenging as there are multiple variables to account for.

2000 dollars can get you a good quality used 2A3 SET if you take your time, a similar quality 300b SET will likely cost you more money. I actually believe that the Sean Casper F2a amplifier could be a very good choice.

You asked can the el 34 tubes sound glorious? A talented designer/builder can extract good sound from most any tube. The El 34 isn’t a 300b which I believe is ultimately the better sounding tube (obviously just my opinion). Concerning the Coincident Dynamo several owners have posted their impressions on this site and are quite happy with it.
Charles,
bobheinatz
724 posts
 
Ramoneo,
i have owned the exact driver and cabinet you just bought.  There are times I wish I never sold them.  Your driver is world class and will sound incredible with a quality 300b, 45 or 2a3 tube amp.  There transformers will make or break the sound.   I drove these speakers with a Air Tight 300b and a George Wright 2a3 amp.   Both sounded breathtakingly beautiful.  The Air Tight is above your budget but if you can find a used George Wright used jump on it.   I would also highly recommend Decware.  Their $1000 amp new will crush any Chinese amp near that price range.  Check them out!

ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
Wow!  Ok, my search continues...  BTW I just updated my profile picture so you can see what the speakers look like.  

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ramoneo,,
I believe you are beginning to appreciate the fact that a variety of power output tubes are capable of providing a very good sound. As Bobheinatz reiterated both amplifiers he cited have high quality output transformers. Based on his comments the Hedlund is an exceptional speaker that will reveal the quality of an amplifier (which is a good thing).

Are you still considering the Sean Casper F2a or the Dynamo MK II or are you determined to go with the DHT 2A3? You have interesting choices. 😊
Charles,
gwalt
162 posts
 

I heard both 2a3 and a 45 on my Edgarhorn speakers and of the two preferred the 45. The caveat to all of this is the design quality of the amp....power transformers/coupling caps/power supplies etc. I also owned a top quality 300B but the 45 was at least an equal match in musicality with the 16 OHM/107 DB load.

You will notice little difference in power between 2a3/45 but I predict their are more 45 tubes out there to choose from the NOS tube days as they were used in tube radios of yesteryear. I owned the Yamamoto 45 and still own the Korneff 45 and prefer the Korneff for the sound you mention.......again same tube different design. Same ole story. My opinion is go with a used 45 if you can find one but quality of design matters a lot with either amp.

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