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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.


ramoneo14
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ramoneo, ,
Jond is correct, SET amplifiers don't have any special preamplifier requirements, just use one of good quality and you'll be fine. 

Brad,
As you'd expect the Coincident siblings are a superb pairing.  I've also heard my amplifier with the Atma-Sphere MP-1 and the VAC  Signature MK II and they were excellent matches. Brad which coincident amplifier are you interested in?
Charles, 

ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
@jond  Yes sorry VTL Dual Mono Preamp going to a MF A3CR SS amp.  
OK I'll try using that first.  Thanks for the heads up- trying not to get too deep in the rabbit hole.  
bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
charles1dad
If some time in the future I decide to assemble an SET system, the 300B mono's would be a primary consideration.

BTW I did view your system photos, WOW.  Besides all the superb components you have, your listening area is probably one of the better ones I have seen. I think it would be a valid hypothesis to conclude how accurate your components and room reproduce music. I am sure it's very enjoyable.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Brad,
I decided to finish a section of our basement and make it my music listening space. This allowed me to listen to music àt any time without disturbing other family members.  Its been 18 years since we built our home and I'm still enjoying the listening room very much. 

If you do purchase the Coincident Frankenstein amplifier one day I believe that you'll be quite happy with their performance. I consider them the heart and soul of my system. They have a special organic breath of life quality. 
Charles, 
ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
My current VTL Dual Mono Preamp will be relocated downstairs to power another system.  

Any Tortuga LDR3.v2 owners out there looking to sell?  Of all the passive preamps out there, this Tortuga intrigues me the most, wish I can audition one around here to see how it mates with a SET 2A3 amp.  
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