What would you buy

Also no matter which transformers coupled amp you choose do experiments with light loading the output transformers- so for example I use the 2 ohm tap on my RM-9 with Vandersteen Treo to great effect and keeps the amp in class A longer - the test is listening and light loading IF your levels can keep you out of clipping.

Roger M wrote extensively this and many related subjects- a search will reveal a lot of free wisdom- RIP Roger

To the OP - a couple of questions re bass and positioning of your 2’s in room.

how far from back wall ? Do you have SPL meter ? Can you download and play Vandertones ( via Vandersteen website ) thru your system. What is your reference track for bass ? Willing to help you get it dialed in :-)

best
jim

tomic601
my vandies are 36 inches from th back wall and 22 from the sides. this measurement is from the center of the of the speaker top. My room is 23"x 12' carpeted .

Tube amp sound is dominated by the output transformers
as for efficiency, so often higher output is just trash - out of phase junk that counts as output.

Both statements above are not really accurate. What about OTLs- they have no output transformer (and drive the Vandys quite nicely).  I've heard plenty of speakers with greater efficiency that are great- they higher output they have is just fine.


As far a sub, the Swarm is an excellent choice, being one of the best out there. No room correction needed, because it gets rid of problems with standing waves, and flat to 20Hz. If the bass below 80Hz were filtered out of the amp for the Vandys, 60 watts would be plenty in a room of this size. This is easy to do; we've made passive crossovers for Vandersteens a good number of times in the past.

Just one problem, atmasphere, and sorry to say because this may be the death knell, but you are absolutely right and I agree completely. You even suggest a mod, which I have done many times and agree with as well. Sorry. Sorry.