2. amps-preamps
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Aric Audio? First Watt? PrimaLuna?

Looking to purchase a new amp.  Currently I have an Odyssey Khartoga SE.  Speakers: B&W 705s2, 88db.  DAC: Metrum Onyx using Coax from a Singxer SU-1 w/upgrades.  Using a Raspberry PI running MPD.  I have a fairly large collection of digital files.  Turntable is a EAT C-Major w/Lehman phono amp.  Aric Audio Unlimited preamp.

I am looking at an Aric Audio Transcend Push Pull, a First Watt J2, F6 or SIT-3, or a PrimaLuna DIaglogue Premium.  I have always wanted a tube amp and I definitely want to take my amp to the next level.  I feel it is the weakest link I now have.  I don't want a tube amp that I have to bias and I don't want to have to replace the power tubes every 2 years at $600 up.

Heat is a concern.  My "listening room" is my garage, unheated and uncooled except what I can get thru the kitchen door when the temps get above 90 or below 45.  Between those I tend to leave the garage door open as I love the sunshine.  So my components sit in a cabinet to protect them.  I can leave the door open and I have cooling fans in the cabinet.

The First Watt interests me and the sound, from what I have read, seems like what I want.  But then so do the tube amps.  So, I am looking for .....wisdom.  Yours specifically.  What are your thoughts? 

Thanks!
128x128jgoldrick
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick OP
138 posts
 
Thanks rocray.  Can I ask what speakers you are using?

almarg, I was wondering about the power myself.  I rarely go over 12 noon on the volume.  I confess to not understanding this completely.  From what I have read 16w will produce 100db for 88db speakers.  Which is ....ok.  Not rocking out loud, but ok.  I read a review (audiophilliac) on the J2 where he used it  with 805D3's.  Similiar impedance from what i saw on stereophile.  But admittedly, I would HATE to plop down 3-4k and not have enough power.  Which is one reason why I posted.

Thanks to both!
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick OP
138 posts
 
Sorry, it was the F7, not the J2
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
From what I have read 16w will produce 100db for 88db speakers.

16 watts is 12 db greater than 1 watt, and 88 + 12 equals the 100 db figure you cited. However that is at a distance of 1 meter, and that assumes the 88 db spec is accurate, which as I mentioned it is not.

To get a better handle on that, I suggest using the following calculator, plugging in your listening distance, speaker placement, and using 85.4 db for the speaker’s sensitivity:

https://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

For example, based on 16 watts, 85.4 db, a 10 foot listening distance, two speakers, and speaker placement within 2 to 4 feet of the walls the result is a maximum SPL at the listening position of 93.8 db. And only 90.8 db for speaker placement further away from the walls.

Also, as I indicated the speaker’s impedance rises to very high levels at various frequencies (42 ohms in the vicinity of 2 kHz, more than 20 ohms in much of the upper midrange and lower treble, and 32 ohms at about 85 Hz), and comparing the 8 ohm and 4 ohm power capabilities of the F6 and SIT-3 suggests that they will not be able to supply much power into those high impedances. That will be compensated for to a significant degree by the speaker’s presumably greater efficiency at those frequencies, but still ....

Regards,
-- Al

lancelock
1,094 posts
 
I have never heard Aric’s preamps but I have the Aric Audio Transcend Push Pull. It sounds wonderful and powers my 85db, 8 ohm TAD ME-1’s with plenty of headroom.

Lance
tuberist
951 posts
 
your speakers look like they demand a high current amp and I'm not sure any of the First Watt products would work....contact Pass direct. I own a Prima Luna integrated and I think, but I'm not certain PL would have enough oomph. I'd contact Upscale Audio and they will be able to advise you without pushing product.  Good luck in your search. IMO the amp-speaker interface is most important after getting the listening room "right"
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