2. amps-preamps
  3. 1420893892

Quad ESL-63 and low-powered amps; Sun Audio, Atma

Looking for opinions about suitability of low-powered amps with my 63's. I currently have an Audio Note M3 pre, CJ MV-60 amp. Importantly, I cross the Quads at line level at 100 hz, first order with nice Vandersteen MH-5 crossovers to Vandy 2wq subs. So the main amp is relieved of much work below 50 hz or so.

Specifically, I am looking at Atma-sphere s-30 MkII OTL 30 watt amp, and possibly even a Sun Audio 2a3 SET 3 watt amp.

Given my crossover, does this lighten the load (power or impedance) in such a way that these amps would work fine? I imagine the Atma will have no issues, but what about the Sun?

Finally, I would love to hear any opinions about the relative sonic characteristics I might hear between the CJ, Atma and Sun. I listen to 50% acoustic jazz, 25% classical, 25% rock. 60% on vinyl... SOTA w/Grace 714 and Grado Ref Sonata1. CD is CEC transport to Audio Note 3.1 Signature. I value musicality and rich midrange over endless detail and "neutrality".

Thanks all.
montaldo
montaldo OP
202 posts
 
I know nearly nothing technically, compared to Atmasphere, but my experience certainly confirms what he said. I have owned many amps that I imagine most people would consider well-designed, and they sound so different from one another. I know this is an age-old debate, but I have always assumed that there are measurable differences that we just have not figured out how to.measure, such a s a measurement that would gauge how an amp performs with music vs test signals. 

Atmasphere, do you think the differences could be measured someday, but we have not figured it out yet?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
@atmasphere I am hoping to build your kit monoblocks someday, perhaps to run the 63

@montaldo yes i have tried calling twice today, no answer, no voicemail- it is summer...i sent an email....nice website, boards, etc...certainly looks like expertise and a valuable resource for sure....
montaldo OP
202 posts
 
 here is Kent email if you want to try that: esolution@estatsolution.com
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,936 posts
 
Atmasphere, do you think the differences could be measured someday, but we have not figured it out yet?
We can measure them now, but we don't go about it right.

Essentially what is needed is a weighting system; one that applies more importance to the higher ordered harmonics since the ear is so much more sensitive to them and places less weight on the lower orders since the ear doesn't care about them so much. Then the spec sheet can tell us how the equipment sounds.

Horrors!

The industry is a long ways away from that right now. The way our ears detect sound pressure is sort of an inconvenient truth. Easy enough to prove though and with really simple test equipment...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
@montaldo contact made, will most likely send them....kid and dog frying voltages floating around.......ha....
More to discover