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
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Thanks for the further posts! I read a review in this month's issue of HiFi+ about the new David Berning Quadature Z 200w OTL tube monos. They went crazy in the review, saying it was hands down the best amp they had ever heard, effectively redefining their view on musicality, muscle and refinement.

David Berning Zh270 has a very loyal following, and i remember reading in STereophile (Jan 05) that Franco Serblin of Sonus FAber had Stereophile at the factory, listening to a ZH270 running the SF Strads.

Any thoughts on the new Quadature Z's would be welcome! i have contacted the company and will post if i find a way to hear them. thanks.
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Hi. I will be auditioning the Berning Quad Z monos! Will update.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
LLoyd

Aren't the Bernings 30k??
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
Vac has several amps that would easily drive the SF speakers. I have Thiel CS1.5 speakers that are 87db sensitivity and operate between 4 and 3 ohms. The amplifier I use is the VAC PA90.

Good hunting!
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
ANother vote for VAC here. I would recommend the current statement piece, the Phi 300.1. Really amazing sound, especially bass, speed and musicality. Driving my VSA VR-7SE's to new sonic heights every day without ever breaking a sweat... a phenomenal amp, as other owners have attested.
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