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Tannoy Speaker Owners

I have Tannoy DC8Ti speakers.  I'm planning to retire sometime this year, and want to try tubes before I do. I'm wondering what amps, tubes or otherwise, other Tannoy owners have. I'm only interested in power amps.  I've tried the Tannoy's with each of my three solid state power amps: Pioneer SPEC-4 (~36 years old) ; McIntosh MC2600 (~ 25 years old); and NAD M22v2 (1 year old). The NAD sounds best in my system: wider sound stage with better instrument separation, timbre, musicality, detail, etc.  

My current system:  Herron VSTP-3A(r02) pre amp, NAD M22v2 power amp, Innous Zenith MKII media player, Small Green Computer i7 for Roon DSP, Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC, Parasound JC3jr phone pre, and Technics SL-1200G TT w/ Ortofon Quintet Black.

My listening room is small ~13'x12'x8'.  I listen to contemporary jazz (no John Coltrane , Miles Davis, etc) and old school R&B (none of today's Hip Hop or Rap).  I love vocals (e.g., Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Angela Glaupo, Randy Crawford, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Chicago); non-vocal music (e.g., The Crusaders, Arne Domnerus, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, Stanley Clarke) and the combination of both (e.g., War, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Santana).

I'd like to audition whatever I buy in my system.  I'd prefer to start looking at amps that others are using. My budget is ~$7500, and I'm in no rush.

I'm not opposed to used, and there are several deals on agon at the moment. In particular a Zesto Audio Bia 120 that is about 60% below retail.  In my area, there are several high-end audio stores and independent manufactures that produce high-quality / reference grade components.  I realize there's the usual suspects (Cary, Rogue, PrimaLuna, Luxman, etc.).  I also plan to visit the local manufactures.




128x128oldschool1948
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
502 posts
 
Its all about matching the speaker and amp appropriately together.
I couldn't agree more.  The NAD is a pretty good match with these speakers.  But, I'm hoping to hear that "tube magic" that so many folks talk about.

@cd318 I have considered keeping it and calling it a day.  But, by son just bought another house.  As a house warming gift,  I've given him my NAD M12 pre/dac w/ BluOS module, M22v2 amp, vintage Technics SL-1600MK2 TT, and vintage DCM TimeWindow 3 speakers.  That's one of the main reasons I'm in the market for a new amp for my main system; and I can justify the expense with my wife :-). 

If I end up staying SS, I'll buy some monoblocks.  I plan to start that way with tubes.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@oldschool1948 +1 to @atmasphere ’s post.


Given your ’smaller’ room size and because you are "now [keeping your] listening levels low to moderate..."

...I suggest investing in quality, even if it means going slightly lower in power output than would be ideal for your current speakers (especially given your listening levels and room size).

This will pay off should you follow @cd318 ’s suggestion to move up to larger [and more efficient] Tannoys. Though you are making decisions based on your upcoming retirement, allow for some flexibility and ’space’ to get to where you want to!
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
502 posts
 
I agree on the quality front.  Great sound a given, I also want something that's going to last.  For the amp, I set my budget at $7.5K for something new.  I'm hoping to buy a demo or used amp at a much better price.  

I want to move into retirement with a bang, so in my overall budget, I've included an upgrade from my Parasound JC3jr to a Herron or Sutherland Little Loco.  I have about 1200 vinyl albums that I purchased in the 70's and 80's, and a few recent ones that I'm taking more time to enjoy.  I got kinda lazy and spent more time streaming because it was easier.  After buying the 1200G and JC3jr, I quickly realized what I've been missing.  I'm hoping a better phono pre and the right tube amp will take my analog SQ to another level with the speakers I have.

I hadn't budget for new speakers, and I realize speakers more efficient that what I have would better.  I got both DC8Tis (demos) in mint condition for less than the price of one.  I could not pass up that deal.  At the time, I was looking at a pair of Tannoy Turnberrys, which are 93 dB efficient.  I may have to revisit that idea.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,550 posts
 
@oldschool1948,

Look into Accuphase Integrated (Class A)...they are match made in heaven for Tannoy’s. I am currently using E-650 with Canterbury’s and couldn’t be any happier.

I have gone through my fair share of high end gear, solid state and tube amps /preamps but nothing, I mean nothing sounds as sublime as Accuphase with Tannoy’s.

Accuphase is not cheap, but it will last you a lifetime. I have seen some good used bargains on Accuphase.
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
I have two sets of Tannoys:  a vintage pair of Eatons from the 70's and a new pair of Autograph Mini's purchased a few months ago.  
In my experience, Tannoys are very easy to drive.  Neither of these speakers have been finicky about the amps I've used with them.  My NAD M10 sounds great with both pairs.  I have not used a tube amp with them but you should be able to drive yours with any decent tube amp.  Atma-sphere amps are among the best you'll find.  Also consider Primaluna.  
Another amp to consider is an LFD amp.  I recently purchased an LFD LE IV Signature amp and have to say this SS amp is the closest thing I've heard to tube amp sound.  
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