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Amp for Green Mountain Europa

... Building a new system around the Europa's; also Discovery Essence IC's, Sony TA E86B preamp( to be replaced in time), Tyler Reference subwoofer.

Someone I trust strongly suggests 125-150 watt Edge or Blue Circle for amp. Soundstage, imaging, detail, power reserve are important, plus other common attributes of a higher quality power source.

~$2000 budget, new or used. What other amps should be on my short list to take advantage of the full potential of the speaker? I would also appreciate comments from those with experience with the Europa's and the two amp families mentioned.

I live where there is little or no access to audition finer gear so my decision will be made based on literature and on info gained from this sort of feedback. Thanks.
wrayray
ladderlake's avatar
ladderlake
21 posts
 
I've tried two amps on the Europas, a VAC avatar and a Classe DR-9. Both work great...they are kinda a ying and yang of pedigree amp, the Classe giving a stronger (particularly bass), warmer (yes it's 'warmer' than the tubes) seemingly 'faster' presentation while the VAC has a smoother, more liquid, ambience.

Must first impression on hearing the speaker was "smooth" and the second was "clean". Great integration and transparency lets one really hear what behind the speakers.

Kudos to Roy at Green Mtn! Also to David Reich and Kevin Hayes for beautiful sound.

Peace be with you...
royj's avatar
royj
151 posts
 
Dolphin- Temp homepage is up at our website.

Final production pix of the C-3 will be posted there late next week, as we will be shipping them by then.

Phasecorrect: I am not God- don't make that much money... but glad you like `em. Wait `till 1000 hours has elapsed.

Happy listening! May I recommend Etta James' Blue Gardenia CD?

Anyone have any concept of how best to deal with the idiots that pop up on Audio Asylum? I've tried a couple of times when related to GMA, but... (search "green mountain"-specific on the General Speakers forum) I don't know how anyone gets much useful info there. Oh well. Thank goodness for this asylum- Wrayray is right!

Best,
Roy
ladderlake's avatar
ladderlake
21 posts
 
I might add that the Avatar sounds great in Triode mode with the Europas, literature says 27watts (whatever that really means).

Here is a good article on what makes a speaker tube friendly.
http://www.symphonysound.com/articles/tubefriendly.html

I believe the Europas with their nearly flat impedance chart would qualify as quite 'tube-friendly', even though most of it is at 4ohms. This has been my experience.

The europa sounds like the off-spring between a cone and a planar speaker.

Cheers
scotty_910
119 posts
 
"Mystery Lady" by Etta James is great too - as is most of her older stuff like "At Last".
kclone's avatar
kclone
690 posts
 
Hi everyone. I have about 50 hours on my Europas. They are sounding great. I am using an Antique Sound Lads Twin Head MK II tube preamp and an Anthem MCA II power amp. However I have the new PS Audio PCA 2 preamp on the way and am in the market for a new power amp. Anyone have any Idea what the Edge amps are priced at? Thanks
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