DeVore Orangutan O/96

I think you'll find your musical tastes will help dictate which amp is best.

If you like big scale music (stadium rock/big band jazz, etc), I'd follow your instincts and be cautious. Big music loves power -and although John's products do amazing things with lower power amps (for smaller scale music), I've learned they also tend to respond extremely well with more (for big scale music). I don't think the Orangutans will be an exception. Not to say you need a 100W amp, but I don't know if a Montille would work for you. I'd try before you commit.

PS -the Orangutans take forever to break in -make sure you demo a pair that's well broken in. It probably explains why we haven't heard more rave reviews -it'll probably be another month or two before we do.

Oldgrey,
I think you are right, that I should go with my gut on what would work best.
My Klipsch will work with just about any power level, but if I do change then I would hate to be lacking in power, even if it only for the occasional big song.
The problem with the Orangutans is where do you audition them?
I don't want to drive 800 miles to San Fran to hear them. I have a Devore dealer within 5 miles of my home, but he is not allowed to sell them. Seems like a bit of a good old boys club to me. Even my other choice, Tannoy Prestige line, are almost impossible to audition. My LaScallas are incredible. I would hate to sell them and spend 12K on something else that might not be as good.

Devore fidelity is a pretty small company. John seems to do everything from design, production, to marketing and customer support. He likely has limited resources to produce enough o96's to distribute them to all the dealers. They appear to be custom built for each customer, with limited inventory, whereas his Gibson series are widely distributed.

I have 150 hours on my haut brion orangutan combo. Can anyone make suggestions for speaker set up in room and make comment on break in process ( how did it sound during break in). I actually am dealing with having too much bass with this speaker.. Thnx

Doctorb:

I also own the O96/HB. I have found them to be great, but yes they can be a bit overwhelming in the bass end. I have about 200 hours on mine. Sometimes its not the amount but the slight bass "flabiness" to them. They do like space around them and nothing in-between. Mine are about 8 feet apart, 3 feet both back and sides and nothing in-between.