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Recommend small, low power but low noise monoblocks

I've long thought I'd like to go to try build an active crossover system with dedicated monoblock amps driving high efficiency speakers. (2 way system only)


What amps would you suggest?


I listen to chamber music, acoustic and some jazz at low to moderate volume levels.

This would be a computer based source.


I'm willing to entertain the possibility of a DIY route if that works best. I have some rudimentary DIY skills -- I managed a successful assembly of a Bottlehead Preamp.


I really want neutral sound with a very low noise floor. I think I prefer the no fuss of solid state but would not rule out tubes.


Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.


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georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
For the lowest noise and extended frequency response, for a tweeter amp I would go low power (10-20w) Class A solid state.
Perhaps seeing you can diy, I would look at one of Nelson Pass small class A’s First Watt type in kit form, many clones on ebay..

I built this little 20watter classA back in the 70's measured ultra stable and flat to 150khz driving just the 4x treble panels of double stacked Quad 57's with a Decca Kelly ribbon passively cross at 10khz magnificent extended highs, (no tube could match it).

https://www.passdiy.com/project/amplifiers/construct-a-class-a-amplifier   

 

Cheers George
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,815 posts
 
I have a pair of Quicksilver Mid Mono amps and they are great.....you can run EL34, 6l6, KT66, KT77, KT88 ......  40 watts, quietest amps I've ever owned.   They make two smaller versions for more efficient speakers.   
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,656 posts
 
+1 oddiofyl,
Check these out! If you only need 25 watts these are a bargain!

http://www.quicksilveraudio.com/products/mini_old.html
tmare
44 posts
 
The best amp I have ever heard is First Watt SIT-1 which a friend of mine wanted to hear with my speakers. They were not powerful enough for my speakers, but it sounded much much better than any other amps that I heard with my B&W 800d. Since then, I start wishing my speakers would be more efficient...

It is a class A amp.
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
I have these Dayens Monoblocks:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue64/dayens_ampino.htm
Truly excellent price/performance ratio; very small & very cool.

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