Need amp suggestions for Hedlund Horns....


A few months ago, I heard a Cary 300b amp hooked up to some small monitors and was blown away... so the itch to upgrade started.

I just bought used a pair of Hedlund horns... came with it (free) was a diy homemade tube amp that does not sound adequate (based on what I heard these horns can do).

I’m in the market for a used amp that would be the ideal match for these Hedlunds. From what I read, I have several options such as 300b, 2A3, etc. but what would you recommend?  I've never had a low-power SET amp before.  

My room is 25’x 30’ with vaulted ceilings (large enough), wood floors, fairly open. I listen to everything from classic jazz, horns, classical, vocals, and the occasional rock. I would love to have some volume to feel the energy and texture of the song.


128x128ramoneo14
In addition to the suggestions above, you might also want to consider the Allnic brand. They make some nice 300B amps and integrated 300B.

Lak,
Yes the Allnic is , another fine choice. In the current market of 300b SET ampliifiers there is an abundance  of quality products.
I would certainly also recommend Deja Vu Audio, fantastic single ended amps using a mix of new and vintage parts, talk to Vu he's incredibly knowledgeable about amp/speaker matching and horns in particular. No affiliation just a very satisfied customer.
http://dejavu-audio.com/index.html

I agree with Charesdad if you know the efficiency of your horns and if the crossover is complex? I think you have to get that decided before you go forward with your tube power. Beware that the design of an SET amplifier is as important as the tube selection. Not all are created equal.

Best of luck,

gwalt

I pulled the full range single driver and it is an AER MK1 which from what I read is (can be) a great speaker with the right enclosure/baffle (for $2500/pair it better be). Again these AERs are in a Hedlund Horn (feel free to search Google pics) so no crossover.

As far as efficiency, not sure how to measure this or where to find as the AER website has no specs- any help would be appreciated. If I had to guess it would be in the 102db range.

So what is a good 300b design? What makes a "stiff" power supply? What’s a good output transformer? What specs should I look for? None of the suggested 300b manufacturers mentioned share their circuit design nor parts list. Is it better to have one built to match specs for the AER speaker?