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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.
majorc
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,160 posts
 
A pair of Vandersteen Quattro are magic with Quicksilver amps, the original cloth versions are dropping into $3k range. I have heard 60 watt QS driving 5a, sublime... 

decooney
2,308 posts
 
@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...


ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,930 posts
 
@ majorc
 I have a pair of quicksilver amps, the silver sixty's, I use them to drive my 4425 monitors. And they sound fantastic. They are very dynamic amps. You have a great pair of amps. Amp and speakers should match. The 4425 monitors are 8 Ohm and their efficiency is 0.8%. They have great detail, they are neutral and very dynamic. You can play them at 65dB or 105dB and their composure does not change. With the 4425 20 watts is all you need. Also, your quicksilver amps have a gain of 25dB and need a preamp of at least 14dB of gain to drive the amps to their full sixty watt output. IMHO: I would try a preamp first, and if you do not like the sound look for different speakers. If you change your speakers make sure they are 8 Ohms or higher as that will make the quicksilvers very happy. I hope this helps.
decooney
2,308 posts
 
@ditusa
Your super cool el34 quad-output-tube Silver 60 amps (with larger V4 amp transformers) are close to 2x the drive compared to the older and smaller dual-output-tube EL34 monos.

Now your amps would definitely drive @majorc ’s LFT8b speakers. I’ve actually heard that combo together before at a local dealer. Was there to buy those amps on trade-in, and they sold too fast. Very nice. Lucky You :)
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