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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
jond's avatar
jond
5,699 posts
 
This might fit the bill for you and your budget no affiliation I know Charles and many other love Coincident gear.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-coincident-dynamo-34se-2016-09-20-amplifiers-11373-jackson-he...
 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 
Jond,
Now that we know the budget the recommendations can be much more specific. The current available version is the Dynamo  MK II and is reported to be noticeably improved. Bigger and better  chassis,  power supply capacitance and better transformers. Worth the extra 200 dollars over the original version per reviewers. Runs the el 34 single ended for 8 watts. 
Charles, 
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,550 posts
 
I totally agree, now that we know a price range it's a lot easier to make recommendations that are doable for Ramoneo14 ;-).

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,644 posts
 
The impedance and efficiency make a lower powered OTL a good choice as well.
ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
Spent some time (almost all night) reading and reading... and here are some of my findings please give me more insight. 

1. The Dynamo uses EL34 tubes with power at 8w.  As much as the price attracts me, it seems that my optimal power would be around 1-4w.  I currently have a homemade EL84 pentode/triode amp and at triode mode 1.9w (I think) it puts out a great amount of sound (but not glorious sound).  Will the EL34 tube give me the feeling of other tubes?

2.  2A3 tubes, single ended DHT circuit, NOT push/pull is my ideal sound/signature after hours of reading. The 45 tube would be second and 300b third but may have more 'power' than I need or want.  

3.  Price.  Since 300b's seem to the most popular of the bunch they seem to fetch the highest price which is another reason to go with the 2A3 or others.  A quick search on eB@y reveal makers like Dared, Douke, and others.  The Chinese one seem that they cut corners (PCBs, etc) so leaning away from it.  The Japan made ones (Hirata/Tango look promising so please let me know if this would be an ok amp.  

4.  Other selections.  What can you find that's under $2K that is the best value?  I'm all about value.   Don't want cheap as usually you get what you pay for but sometimes there are hidden gems to be found, especially used.  
**I actually prefer used, I give each used piece a name- after the person that I purchased it from.  That way the history/legacy lives on.  I do this with other gear like guitars-I'm a musician.  

Any and every suggestion is welcome.  I realize my ignorance in this topic and am very grateful to all your input.  
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