Better Amps For Talon Khorus CAT JL2 or Tenor 75?

Disclaimer: I am a Power Modules/Talon dealer.

The Tenor is VERY good, no experience with the CAT. However, I prefer the new Power Modules (Belles) 350A monoblocks (the stereo version is also incredible). Absolutely STUNNING sound (we have them running on the floor now driving the Talons). Contact Mike Farnsworth at Talon Audio for his thoughts on the Tenor and Belles (he has extensive experience with both) with the Talon speakers.

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

The tenors are the best amps I've heard. I have heard them several times with the talon khorus X and they are a wonderful match. The talon's are efficient enough that 75 high current tube watts drives the EASILY.

Not that you asked but just for the record, the Edge NL-12 (or NL-10) solid state really matches incredibly with the Talon Khorus X MKII. I have this set-up and couldn't be happier. It actually is very tube-like for a SS and yet feeds the Khorus with deep bass and punch which tube amps tend to be shy on.

One of my friends has the Khorus Xs---has had Cary V12i monos, Pass X350, Edge NL10 (or 12-can't remember), and now the Tenors. He said the Tenors are so far ahead of the others, he has lost any reasone to go amp shopping again.

The Tenors are incredible and indeed very special amps, but every time I have heard them with Talon, the bass was soft and not controlled, YMMV. As mentioned above, the Pass and Edge amps are also very good.

However, there are two critical issues at hand (at least I think they are critical):

1) The entire Talon line absolutely THRIVES on high-current solid-state. Feel free to ask Mike Farnsworth about this. Well designed tube amps sound great with Talon, but to get those dual midrange/woofer drivers moving and keep them under control, you MUST have the current. For example, at the CES show, the Tenors were driving the new Talon Firebird speakers, the midrange on up was absolutely STUNNING, but the LF was NOT that good. To be fair, I do not attribute this to just the amps, but also the fact that the room was WAY to small for those speakers. But, the majority of the LF response isuue was due to the Tenors (this is just my opinion, so don't get all upset on me). Also, the Khorus X MKII were featured in the Joule Electra room. Again, a very seductive and liquid presentation, but the bass, dynamics, and detail was just NOT there.

2) With the Talon line, to get the liquid and lush presentation of tubes, PLUS get the bass, dynamics, and detail, you do NOT need to spend megabucks on amplification. There are some fantastic well designed, high-current solid-state amps out there for a LOT less money than what the other amps mentioned go for (if you want recommendations, let me know), that will allow you to appreciate what the Talon line is capable of.

Ok, I have said my peace ;-)

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio