Tannoy Westminster amp matching question.

Borg, I`ve heard the larger Viva SET amps and they were fanstastic! the Solista can`t be that much different. This amp should just sing with your Tannoys, good choice.High quality 845 tube SET,I like this move.
Regards,

Borg, My friend owns a Solista. Which version is being offered? Viva has made significant upgrades to this amp over the years.

Lived with the Westminster and Westminster Royal for almost 10yrs straight ('91-'00). Tried/owned countless tube amps ranging from flea watts Ongaku, Audion, few Carys, few Jadises, many many VTLs (right through their 200w triode double decker Ichibans).

While most mesmerizing tonality was that of the Ongaku's. I too found best served (most musically balanced overall) running large Tannoys with good old push pull amps then - VTL90 Monos (90w triode), 4xWE300B/side. The Cary CAD805 (50w) coming in close second.

True, SETs - Ongaku (especially), as well Cary 300SE, or even Audion, all had in varying doses that seductive 'almost to die for midrange spell' (esp.on vocals, pianos, strings etc.), However, given certain recorded materials/volume level, I often felt that they too (the 8-15watters) are somewhat compromised, loosing control/kinetic feel at times of those two huge 15" drivers.

As such, were I to do it over this time around, a well designed PP triode / OTL / SET (211, 845?) amps *caveat, minimal of 25watts and up will be my preferred choice. *Still fondly remembered of how beautifully 'Ella' sang through with effortless musicality via the 300Bs - 'unforgettable'.. Congrats on those beautiful speakers - post pictures when you get them!

Charles, thank you for your encouragement. It reads as if it has plenty of DH SET magic, and I've read about people driving Sonus Faber Guarneris adequately as well so should be fine power wise.

Phaelon, I think that its the original, I'm waiting on answers to questions. Its a pity I wasn't looking in Oct. It looks like one sold on ebay for just under 4k US ( Grrrrrr isn't it always the way ) I am patient man though and my AMR AM-77 will be very good I suspect. Its suppose to sound like a very powerful SET, and in some ways it does. But of course in comparison , tonality and getting the balance between the performer and the rest of the music, is where the true SET will win. IMO. ( I don't suppose your friend wants to sell his ;-). )

Bvdi. Thanks for joining in. I suspect in the long run you may well be right, but you know what its like. I have a yearning to try and get the SET magic back in my life and I'm going to try it out. My system that I put together with SET's etc, allbeit not extensive, provided me with most satisfying period in my hi-fi lifecycle to date. It almost feels a bit like trying to recapture my youth, impossible but tremendous fun trying. If I were going to try a different design, I might try Shindo. Don't go there yet everyone.

Great chatting with all !!! Thanks.

Borg, The older Solistas are fine amplifiers for the money, but the MkII version is almost a complete redesign with much better transformers. It’s not just an incremental improvement. Although, like Bvdiman, I’m concerned about the SET matching - I like the effortlessness that speakers achieve only with adequate power - I’m certain the Westminsters would benefit by being paired with MkII version.