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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
 
If I went with any of these great 2A3 amps, what preamps work with them?  I have with me a VTL dual mono tube amp, and use it to power a musical fidelity A3cr 210 @ 4ohms to my Martin Logan Ascents.  

I have a feeling these lower power SET amps need a different type of preamp.   Suggestions?  
jond's avatar
jond
5,893 posts
 
@ramoneo14 I assume you meant a VTL preamp and not amp? I see no reason that preamp wouldn't work you should at least wait to try it out with your new amp. No need to upgrade until you see how the pairing sounds. SET amps don't require any special type of preamp, try not to overthink this stuff.
bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
zuio
I due subscribe to AS, I think they had a review on referenced pre-amp either last June or July.  Due to some paint projects in the home, I have some magazines , including that issue packed away. When the opportunity presents itself, I will make it a point to see what the review has to say.
Thanks for the info.

charles1dad
Thanks for the info, at this point in time, I think if  I decide in the future to opt for a Coincident amp, it would only make sense to me to pair it with there pre-amp for the best senergy.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ramoneo, ,
Jond is correct, SET amplifiers don't have any special preamplifier requirements, just use one of good quality and you'll be fine. 

Brad,
As you'd expect the Coincident siblings are a superb pairing.  I've also heard my amplifier with the Atma-Sphere MP-1 and the VAC  Signature MK II and they were excellent matches. Brad which coincident amplifier are you interested in?
Charles, 

ramoneo14's avatar
ramoneo14 OP
17 posts
 
@jond  Yes sorry VTL Dual Mono Preamp going to a MF A3CR SS amp.  
OK I'll try using that first.  Thanks for the heads up- trying not to get too deep in the rabbit hole.  
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