You have some wonderful monoblocks, they deserve a better speaker than the PSB. I owned PSB Synchrony and wouldn't pair this 4 ohm speaker with a tube amp. It takes power to drive the bass.
change amps or speakers
I am powering Eminent technology LFT8bs with quicksilver M60 monoblocks. No preamp - I am running a dac directly to the amps, which works because with this configuration I am using very little attenuation. Problem is it is obvious that the ETs require more current and/or wattage- the detail is there but not the punch and there are times when I am maxed out on volume at 12 0'clock and need more. Question is do I change the amps or speakers - I love the quicksilvers and put some serious $ into modifications. A well respected friend/tech highly suggested I seek out a used pair of PSB stratus golds. I have a medium sized family room and like detail neutrality but need more rhythm and dynamics. Thanks you.
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@majorc I’d get a good matching tube preamp no matter what. Tons of threads on this topic alone. If you do order a Linestage preamp from Mike at QS, heads up, for $50 upgrade service fee, he can convert the TapeOut to a 2nd set of PreOuts if yourdecide to bi-amp as others suggested earlier. Or, use the added pre-outs to add a really good subwoofer for added bottom end your mono 60s won’t have to make up for. A nice sub could fill in bottom end and let your LFT8s flow with KT88s in the Mono 60s. Add good tubes in Linestage preamp from Mike@QS. Local Tech Option: You mentioned a local tech. Yes, a good local tech can also upgrade coupling caps in those amps to much better ones to add transparency you are looking for, along with checking tubes, re-bias. I upgraded my own QS Mono 120s with Mundorf Supreme EVO Silver-Gold caps, and the upgrade has been very rewarding. Yes, see your tech! Option-C: Check this out. If you keep the LFT8 speakers, you could do the preamp now, add KT88s, run for 1-2 years. Then,wait for KT170 based amps to come out next! Yes, did not mis-spell. New tube coming from Tung Sol would be perfect for your LFT8s. :) Guarantee you’d love those LFT8s all over again with a bit more drive. https://www.instagram.com/p/CG77jvZJEoH/?igshid=xj8re0i2fhl2 |
@yogiboy Do you have the older 60 watt Quicksilvers? Or the new ones?+1 @yogiboy Agree. This is an important question for @majorc to answer to first. @majorc FYI, my local dealer who’s carried Quicksilver amps and Eminent Technology speakers since the 90s shared to pass along to you today, quote: "the older mono sixties with smaller transformers running EL34 output tubes are power limited to effectively drive and power the lower efficiency 82db sensitivity EMT LFT8b speakers." He’s tried several amps with your speakers over the past few decades. He also shared, The "latest design QS Mono 60s with the LARGER transformers and KT88s -OR- the QS Mono 120s with KT150 tubes -OR- a good 100wpc solid state amplifier would be a much better choice to drive your LFT8b speakers". He also shared a good matching preamplifier for a proper amp(s) is highly recommended. Hope this helps... |
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