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Amp for Acoustic Zen Crescendo 2 ?

Hello all,
I have these speakers for 2 months now and want to move on to a tube amp of 50 - 60 wpc or so, or a SS amp that fits the bill..  My current amp is an Ayre V-5xe.  I'm looking for an amp to sweeten up the top end and has a midrange that does vocals full and articulate, even if that means colored.  The Ayre is a great amp but I think there is a better match out there.  I'll have to save up for used, under $5K.  I'm especially interested with what actual owners would say, as well as their system specifics, but all comments welcome.  Acoustics and speaker placement are fixed and substandard.  That's just the way it goes at our house.
I'm using a steel arm VPI TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ARC PH-7 and REF 3.  Thanks.

wlutke
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kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Wig,

Not sure if there is a sound difference between 845 or 805 tubes?

I would say from from my experience from either owning or listening to both of these big transmitter tubes they are more alike having several sonic qualities than being dissimilar.With equal implementation of same level of quality output transformers and each individual circuit design supporting the proper electrical parameters for each tube.Also would need good strong pwr supply's in each type of amp.

I personally have always liked the 805's vs the 845's,
They sounded more balanced and didn't have the upper frequency livelyness that a 845 sometimes can have.I owned a pair of the Mastersound 845 mono's last year but I didn't keep them very long.

And Offcourse I haven't heard all the different amps that use these big tubes.
Maybe someone else will have more insight on this question.

Kenny.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bill,
I recall the same type of enthusiastic "the future is here now " talk with Devialet one box solutions that would render all else inferior.  Sorry, when I heard this brand/products I was underwhelmed to be polite.  Lyngdorf may be a better sounding product,  similar type of hype and predictions.  I just listen. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Wig,
The 805 tube has a reputation for high quality sound but for whatever reason isn't used nearly as often as the 845 or the 211 for that matter. 
Charles 
wlutke OP
725 posts
 
I've researched the Lyngdorf and the idea of room correction is appealing.  God knows my room could use it.   On the other hand the idea of sending square waves to the speakers and having them do the smoothing curbs my enthusiasm.  No D/A conversion?  It could be the future.  I'll wait and see for now.
The Line Magnetic still holds my attention. If the (400 Watt draw) LM adds SET sound to the Zens I will gladly turn up the AC.  I have a Bottlehead SET system in the garage and love it.  


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