What is the best amplifier for Tannoy Kensington ?

Here's the thing -- owning and Kensington SE and having heard the Yorkminster SE in my system, that 2dB extra efficiency and 6Hz bass extension of the latter makes a huge difference (shocking, even). The Kensington has the sweeter midrange, but it's hard to tell how much (if any) that gap would narrow with further break-in. I love midrange, so it was a tough choice.

That said, it's no wonder I use higher powered amps (250 W/ch Rogue Apollo tube monoblocks) on my Kensingtons. For my listening preferences (often quite loud, sometimes high dynamic range recordings) and room size (fairly large), that 93dB-95dB/Watt range defines a pretty critical zone; any less is quite hard for me to live with. I disagree with the notion that a 3dB difference is "hard to notice". It makes ALL the difference with speakers as resolving as the Tannoy Prestige, which will remain sounding musical at any level you can push (cleanly) into them, AND will easily reveal shortcomings of the electronics (that's their magic - just wish they were a bit more efficient and extended).

I've used restored vintage tube amps (Heathkit W5, Eico HF-87) of 20-35 W/ch on the Kensingtons, and the sound with the W5 can be sublime. BUT, at those power levels you'll have to concede on at least one of these 3 points: 1. Loud listening 2. Large Room 3. High Dynamic Range material. By point 3, I mean that you can blast modern compressed pop/rock/metal recordings as loud as you like on just 20-25 Watts...but you'll notice significant limitations when you switch over to classical. I definitely noticed such limitations at under 60 Watts/ch.

I prefer tubes to solid state; I got the Apollos because they offer tons of clean tube power at a reasonable price, and offer superb build quality, service, etc. I've also heard the Rogue M180, which sounds very close at half the price (with KT120 outputs). Rogue gear can sound a bit more like (good) SS with the stock tubes; for my preferences I "fixed" that by rolling in RCA blackplates and KT120. Again, the Kensingtons are so revealing of upstream gear and individual tube swaps - and that's where tube gear pays HUGE dividends, by allowing you to fine tune the system to your preferences & needs.

First decide what power level you *need*, then choose between tube vs. SS, then choose the model.

Hi Guys,

First of all, thank you for all these great response, I'm still so amazed by it.
Sorry that i didn't provide more info on my preferences.

I listen to Mostly Vocals, Instrumental, and recently listens to Classical, but I also listens to POP& Soft Rock hear and there.

My CDs are mostly XRCD, HQCD, HDCD and SACD.

Ive heard these with Rega Osiris integrated and matching CD player, they war hooked up with MIT Magnum XLR interconnects and a pair of MIT Magnum Bi-wired. They sounded Great but i somehow find it too solid on the mid range and lack treble and bass was surprisingly strong.
Ive heard them with Manley Valves Setup, very sweat Midrange but just a touch too layback with Rock tracks.

I basically like good Treble ( which i could do with a set of super tweeter, which i can't get a hold of), Sweet Fluid Midrange and tight accurate bass.

I think I prefer SS Amps too, I was told to look at only Pure Class A Amps for the Kensintons and got recommend to ACCUPHASE ( Anymore have these hook up to Tannoy Prestige. Was told that that these are the Ultimate Hi Ends and very reliable.

With Budget I just wanted value for the money, but most of all matches my speakers, as I have test them with Krell Integrated and they sounded not bad for the money.

By the way my listening room is quite small, 3x3.5m , 2.4m ceiling.

Hi Jim

Do you have any Super Tweeters in Stock and how much?

Thanks!!

What Manley did you listen to? I guess it was not Snapper, cause they are quit funky and PRaTy on rock with Kensington.

They were NEO250 mono blocks with Jumbo Shrimp Pre.
Haven't Heard the Snapper, bit too too bass are they?