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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
ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
@charles1dad , @gwalt , @powder1 : I am certainly open to the 45 tube variety- low power, reputable sound quality, availability, and if prices are low that is the ticket.

@bradf : I now realize that $1K is a bit low to spend on a quality integrated so I am open to go $2K if the value is there.  I have a VTL Dual Mono tube preamp (may not be a good match, not sure).  I'd rather go integrated for matching and simplicity. 

@jond There is a Tube Audio Labs 300b amp on Audiogon right now for $1900. Is that a good unit? If so, how good and would you advise that option over the 45 version?  Also there is another Tube Audio Labs 2A3 amp for a good price.  Your opinions?  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 
Jond,
This looks like a very good option.  I looked at their parts selection list on that site and there are some really good choices offered. You are given an opportunity to upgrade/customize the amplifier to a significant degree if desired. Really nice transformers are available. 
Charles, 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,640 posts
 
ramoneo14, 
Go back and check out the link that bradf provided for Finale Audio. They are the French flip side to Triode Lab (same people) and there are a few amps, in your new budget, that use high quality parts and exacting build standards. 

Even better, give them a call (don't feel obligated) and see what they recommend for your speakers.
 
If I ever luck out and get a better and bigger place, and still have my Tonian Labs TL-D1s, they'd be the first place I'd look into.

All the best,
Nonoise
bradf's avatar
bradf
324 posts
 
The following is not a recommendation, but rather an integrated found while searching for an good quality 2A3  at approx. $1,000.00

I think Charles 1 dad, jond, gwalt, powder1, and the other members addressing this issue, are more exposed , educated, and familiar with the SET variety then I am, or ever hope to be.
They would have much better advice then I would be able to provide you regarding this integrated.
bradf's avatar
bradf
324 posts
 
Audiogon Triode Labs 2A3 integrated listing
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/triodelab/1.html

Reference to various 2A# tube pairs
http://sophiaelectric.com/

6 Moons review of Triode labs 2A3 integrated
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/triodelab/1.html

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