2. amps-preamps
  3. 1221604868

Powerful Tube Amp for SF Strads?

I am looking for recommendations for a powerful tube amp for my Strads. A powerful tube amp which truly excels at palpability, musicality but also has very good bass control (though bass control is not as 'mission critical' to me as palpability).

My current amp (see below) sounds great to my ears!...but runs out of steam much too soon.

My system today:

Zanden 5000S DAC
CJ Act 2
CJ MV60 (EL 34 tube)
SF Strads (4ohms, 92db sensitivity though impedence does dip to 2.5ohms)
Velodyne DD-18 (run in parallel)
Transparent Ref/Ref XL cabling throughout
Purist Audio Dominus PC

In addition to recommendations, any thoughts are welcome on Wavac, Audio Note, Zanden, VTL, CJ LP275...or monoblocking MV60 (EL34)? Thanks!

Lloydelee21
lloydelee21
lapierre
547 posts
 

Try a pair of McIntosh MC275 run in Mono w/ upgraded tubes (Genalex KT 88 Gold Lion 6550 and selected 12XA7 types). Or just buy MC2301 monoblocks rated at 300 watts @ 2 ohm.
brunogolf
35 posts
 
I previously owned SF Extrema and now own SF Amati, and in both cases use CAT JL-1 Mono amps. Ive owned the amps now for about 5 years and they just do everything right. they are semi user friendly where occasionally will require you to solder in a resistor pack in the event of a failed tube but this happens very infrequently. I own a solder gun and do this myself as you can too once you become familier with the amp. Amps are very stable and i usually get about 2000 hours from a set of power tubes. If you have any questions feel free to email me.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Since you're set on tubes and to second two suggestions above, go for CAT's tubes, and I hope you like the sound. (I did, immensly)
There was really no problem driving a difficult load in my home. I.e., impedance drops, medium sensitivity, etc etc were not an issue.
ackman00
67 posts
 
Besides the above suggestions, you should also check out the Lamm M1.2 and M2.2 hybrid amps. Do some research, the reviews and user comments seem universally positive. Also check out the new Pass XA160.5 or XA100.5 amps - although they are not tube amps, the reviews always seem to mention that the sound has "tube like" qualities. Good luck.
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Wow! Thanks for the quick responses! Appreciate the advice. Have also received from direct emails from fellow A'goners looking to help...thanks to you as well.

I have been invited to audition Wavac MD805s. I will try to find place that carries VTL, CAT and VAC (in London UK).

As for Pass, i've seen many A'Goners like Pass with SF's. Personally, i do love the earlier SF speakers (Electa Amator, Extrema) with SS like Krell...OTOH Guarneri, Amati and Strad i somehow associate with tubes. Given Ackman00's recommendations, i will keep an open mind...SS with the extreme palpability of a great tube could be perfect! Thanks again to all.
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