Amplifier for Altec Valencia speakers

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Six years have passed (can't believe its been six years, time flies!) from my original response.  Moved up the Shindo preamp food chain from a Monbrison to a Masseto to my current Vosne Romanee.  And amp-wise, the Audio Research components have been gently stored in favor of a Shindo Montille to a Cortese F2a then the current Lafon WE300B monoblocks. The Valencia's in this pairing have more than enough drive for me (all genres but with an emphasis on jazz, R&B, classical and women's vocals). But for a period, I did run a McCormack DNA-1 SS amp with the Valencia's for grins and they responded very well too. If I hadn't happily tumbled down (up?) the Shindo "rabbit hole", the McCormack would have sufficed in my setup (it too is presently in storage).

I have read reviews on a couple of the First Watt amps that put out 5w or 10w per channel and maybe one day I'll try those out.

Best wishes on your quest!

Very nice closdesducs. I also went up the Shindo preamp line from Monbrison to VR. Then CC 34 to D'yquems. I have a desire to try a solid state amp like one of the First Watts, but I likely won't do that anytime soon. Have you tried the Werner Crossover for 16 Ohm Valencia's. I like what it does very much. I also now have my bottom wood trim removed, and have them on stands that are around 9" off the ground,  I use A23 speaker cable, but switched out my Belden XO cables in favor of Duelend 16 Gauge. Those Lafon 300B's must be a match made in heaven with the Valencia's. Cheers

Those speakers would work very nicely with OTLs too. You'll hear the additional transparency immediately.

OTL
!!!!!!!