Member's recommendations for tube amplification

I don't post much here anymore but sometimes follow a thread or two. This one piqued my interest because it mentioned a couple of my favorite amps. It also piqued my interest because I think there are a few points by other posters that should be reinforced.

First, I have experience with SET amps having worked with someone for several years well known for manufacturing transformers and designing several SET amp circuits for our own manufacturing and sales. I can say from his perspective, the designs were best put to use on speakers whose efficiency was 98 dB or higher. However, we found one interesting exception to that rule. Pairing a 12 watt 300B with a pair of Fritz Carbon 7 speakers (88 dB, 6 ohm) at a very popular audio show. That matching came about by accident, as a 50 watt PP amp failed on us and while it was being repaired we played around with the 300B. We didn't go back. Anyone who heard that combination was amazed it could work. We played it as loud as we could and it continued to perform flawlessly. Sometimes you get lucky, but as Ralph pointed out, the norm will have different results.

The M-60 OTLs will drive your speakers quite well. I have used them for several years now with a variety of speakers ranging from 88 dB to 94 dB, with both smooth and somewhat bumpy impedance curves. In fact I used them with AudioKinesis Jazz Modules for a majority of that time and now with Quad ESL 57, using autoformers to better match the impedance. The autoformers add nothing to the sound in my opinion.

Bill's (grannyring) suggestion of the Music Reference RM-10 is spot on. This amp has balls and puts out 35 watts per channel (double what most EL-84 designs can muster). I have owned mine for 12 years now and used it on many speakers. It just recently powered speakers I am playing around with that go down to a 2 ohm load in the 15 - 20k range. No problem whatsoever. It works great on the ESL-57s as well.

One thing I've learned over the years is there are other factors that can determine how an amp matches up with speakers. I believe Ralph mentioned the size of the listening room and how loud you like to listen.  Another is damping factor, or the amps ability to control the woofer. Lately a question I've been asking speaker manufacturers is what amps did you use to test your speakers. Generally that will give you a good idea of the damping requirements. Some speakers were designed with solid state in mind, others tube amps. You can learn a lot talking to the speaker designer.

I suppose you should take what I say with a grain of salt:

1. Jack Elliano is my business partner.

2. I am an Atma-Sphere dealer.

3. I work with Roger Modjeski

If you'd like to go with a SET amplifier with some power, then the 805 based amps should be high on your list.  The Cary gets lots of praise though I haven't heard it.  I do own the JAS Array 2.1 which has a built-in passive line stage than can be bypassed.  I usually run the amp directly with a Consonance Droplet 5.0 and am quite pleased with the transparency and detail.  It's certainly not a warm or lush sound but it has a directness, a palpability that makes most other amps seem opaque and under-involving in comparison.  It also uses a pair of 300B so they are in there affecting the sound as well.  JAS also makes a pair of monoblocks using 805s with 2a3s.  And Antique Sound Lab has the Explorer 805 which Stereophile reviewed some years ago.  The Psvane 805 are pretty good and affordable at about $250/pr and a big step up from the stock Shuguangs but are bettered a bit by the vintage RCA/GE 805s.  Be aware though that 805 tubes get very hot and would be dangerous to kids and/or pets.  Best of luck with your choice!

David, please let us know how the Volti speaker compared to the DI.  Which one would be your keeper if only one could be kept? I assume the DI, since you did not purchase the Volti? 

What Atmasphere is saying. 

GO to eBay and but the Lafayette KT-550 PP amp and convert to EL tubes and be done with your search.

Happy Listening.

@grannyring   These two speakers make me feel like talking about light.
 

The Rivals remind me of that late afternoon glow from the sun that’s warm, soft, golden hued and alluring. A wonderful time of the day. Existential happiness.

The Double Impacts remind me of daytime sun on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific, an hour after that mid-afternoon shower has passed through. The atmosphere has been cleansed, the wetness glistens, the sunlight is direct and clear, shadows are short. Realization of a living, breathing and vibrant planet.

I'll post more on the Audiogon thread related to the Volti Vittora. 

I thoroughly enjoy both speakers.