Amplifier Recommendations to Match the Tannoy GRF90


Hi Everyone,

I previously posted a very similar post, but it was about the Tannoy Westminster GR, and it appears that since, I have become a Tannoy adept. I have a second system which sounds real good, but the Westminster GR are just stratospheric, so I have opted for another pair of Tannoy, and I got a real good deal for the GRF90. The thing is that I have never heard them, but I got a fairly good description from the agent which is a well reputed and trustworthy person. From what he says, they are in the Prestige line, but do not play at all like the Prestige speakers. They are built and sound more like the Kingdom Royal which is top of the line; very dynamic, with a more nuanced bass and especially a very transparent speaker. They are 95dB.

My idea of sound is simple; it needs to have everything done very well - resolution, tones, imaging, soundstage, scale, rythm/timing, balance, and I particularly love attack and dynamics, which to me are essential because they bring the music to life!

My gears are Esoteric P-01X and D-01X for transport & DAC, Masterclock is Esoteric G-01X, preamp is Coincident Statement Line Stage.

Now I am looking for the fantastic amps, must be monoblocks, that will make the GRF90 go to full potential!! So, thanks a lot in advance for sharing your knowledge, views and experience, especially if you have or know well about these GRF90.

Tunefully yours,

128x128hddg
As you've probably read, Nelson Pass uses Tannoy's for a lot of his amplifier testing/voicing.  If you're thinking about going that way, you would be best served by emailing Nelson and asking for his recommendation (or Kent English @ PassLabs) for your particular model.  They will not just try to sell you on the most expensive model and don't care if you're buying new or used. 
Hi hddg
I have very high regard for Coincident products and have owned their Statement Line Stage, Frankenstein (300b SET) and Total Eclipse II speakers for 8 blissful years.

You have a preference for solid state I realize but I think that the Coincident Dragon MK II could be an exceptionally good match with your Tannoys. My Frankenstein is superb sounding but wouldn’t be appropriate for what you are seeking.
Best of luck,
Charles ,

Hi charles1dad,

Funny!! I actually own all the amps you are talking about, and i will be trying the Dragon on the Tannoy for sure. But I am in a tropical region and summer with big PP 211 tubes is just very sweaty. Moreover, i have tried those on the Westminster GR (99dB!!!), they were doing actually well, but i’m a real difficult guy when it comes to sound, and thought that they did not have full dynamic control and did not completely seperate instruments, especially bass at higher level. So i am suspecting they wont fully satisfy me with the GRF, along with the heat issue. I must admit that the Coincident products generally have great sound when they are working properly. But I’ve had a lot of "bad luck" with them for just about every single thing i bought there, although I kept renewing my trust to I.Blume, but susbequent orders kept coming with issues, and it was never his fault, always the transport or something else, and he would never make up for it, unless I argued strongly with him. I have conculded that there is some serious quality control problems at CST, and with the assembly/mounting of gears at the workshop. His attitude has been unacceptable, and I have decided to end all relations with CST. Just recenlty with the preamp, less than 2yrs old, the right hand side volume has come off from inside. I am sure (and hope) it is easy to repair, but this should not happen and does not happen with other gear at that price.
Hi hddg,
Your repeated problems with Coincident products surprises me. I’ve had their Line Stage and Frankenstein since 2009 and they have been utterly reliable (and sound marvellous). I’m very sorry to hear that you have had these problems and the responses from Israel Blume. He’s always been very responsive and friendly with interactions I’ve had with him.

I can understand your decision to move on, just the antithesis of my experiences. It does seem that given your desires/objectives,a  solid state amplifier is the right direction for you to pursue.
Best of luck,
Charles
Hi charles1dad,
CST products sound real good, that's actually why despite several first issues which i decided to put aside on bad luck's account, I kept purchasing products from them for my various applications, but now enough with "bad luck". Still using some of them, and will someday get them all upgraded/serviced by some tube specialist. The Franks work great, rolling Psvane WE300B and incredible Takatsuki TA300B.
Thanks for your wishes,
Best,