Tannoy Westminster amp matching question.

Thanks for your ideas gents.

Ralph, financially I like the sound of modifying the input to present a different impedence. Is this a "difficult" thing to achieve ?? I know that's a nasty question given the lack of info.

Would both the mp1 and the mp3 drive this load well ??

I do know a very experienced, local tube guy who repairs/designs amps for the domestic and professional music industry here in NZ. Perhaps I'll get them over on his bench and he can have a look see.

I didn't consider modifying the input as I expected that there was a good reason for 600ohm implementation. Its good news that you think this can be done.

I certainly didn't expect it to have this much impact. I never considered input and output impedance previously. Its opened a whole new area for me :-).

I'm very grateful for your help, as always.

I'm in a similiar situation as Borg7x9. I have a brand new pair of Tannoy Westminster Royal SE sitting in the other room 'ampless'. I've recently sold (April) my SS amp and not yet replaced it. So, I have a short list: Wavac MD-805m, Audio Note Conquest Silver Signature (low gain), Viva Aurora T (845), LAMM 2.1 and Almarro A340. I am concerned with the power variance between these amplifiers (i.e., 18-55 watts) and my inability to actually hear these combinations. I'm running out of patience with myself leaning one way today, and another tomorrow. It's time to make an informed decision ... with your help.

Hi Wylmars. Of the amps you mention above I'd love to hear the Viva's . Listening to my 845 based amps
(http://www.psvane.com/?Jkg/t845/) .The pictures don't do them justice. I think that when I've nailed the pre-amp issue They'll be fantastic. You could also consider the KR Kronzilla series of amps. I very much empathise with your predicament. Its very frustrating worrying about making the best decision you can. It can easily spoil the experience. If I were to say one thing from my recent experience, I'd say that you need more control for the bass than my 8 watt per channel 300b amp gave me. To get that "high efficency" freedom feeling I seem to need more power. Good luck. I'd been keen to hear your findings as well.

Just one last thing, Jeff Day remarked that the Tannoys are very forgiving of amplifiers and you can get great performance with a wide range. I think he's probably right.

Wylmars,
I think that's a good list of potential amplifiers to use . Since you're seeking suggestions I'd choose the Viva Aurora 845. It's a beautiful sounding amplifier and would drive your Tannoys well.
Regards,

Hi Borg7x9,

Have you looked at VAC preamps? Although it is out of production, the Phi Beta will drive loads as low as 200 ohms, according to its manual. The Signature 2A, which is the basically the same circuit and is still in production, should do the same. Neither are cheap but do come up on the used market. I have a Phi Beta and it is a great piece. Might be worth a quick call to VAC.