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Horning owners what amps have you used?

Just curious what amps other owners, or previous owners, of the Aristoteles, Eufrodite, Agathon or Perikles have used. Chime in even if you don't own these speakers but have an opinion.

I know most everyone has heard these speakers with the TRON Discovery or Telstar at RMAF and the 211 is heavenly IMO, but way out of my price range.

I have the Aristoteles Zigma and a Thoress 300B SET (8w). I love it, but like anyone else who is possessed with sound addiction, as Neil says: rust never sleeps.

Has anyone used anything less than 8 watts? Or more power like a 300B PP or 845? I do have a Berning ZH270, and unlike a fellow Audiogon-er who had the ZH230 and Eufrodite and thought highly of the match, the ZH270 sound is not my thing.
dpe
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
I love my deHavilland Aries 845 mono's with the Aristoteles.
It took a long while for the speakers to break in and during
the process I wondered if the amps were not a good match.
After about 7-8 months the MAGIC happened.
Which preamp are you using with your Thoress 300B ??
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
You already love the speaker with your Thoress 300b, this match may prove hard to beat. Your comment on the ZH270 is unique given it`s universal praise and top reviews.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I agree with C1d. I am also a fellow 300B devote (&45). Either of my amp pairs exhaust through lowly Lowther DX4's, (Beauhorn Virtuoso) no back-up singers required, here. Many interesting combinations available on the SET/Hi Eff theme.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
BTW, Wavelength ridden here
dpe OP
60 posts
 
Thanks Rodge827 for the suggestion. I should start building my own amps. Unfortunately I have too many hobbies as it is, maybe in a couple of years if and when I can afford to retire.

Goldeneraguy, I borrowed the 845-G SE's some time ago and I thought they were wonderful with my Merlins, although I bought a Joule instead. It would be interesting to hear what the 845s do for the Hornings. I have Thoress preamp that’s the best audio component I've purchased in a long time. It's what led me to picking up the Thoress amp as well.

Charles1dad, true the 300b is hard to beat but I've never owned a 2a3 or 45. Can the Hornings handle 4 watts? I've heard that the Hornings sound better with more watts than even my 8 watter. And of course there's the sound preference. I love the sound of a 45 tube and I've been seriously contemplating a Deja Vu 45/2A3 (another Audiogon-er put this amp in my head when I owned my previous efficient speakers). As for the Berning ZH270, I've had this amp for almost 10 years. In those 10 years it hasn't seen a lot of action. I also owned a Joule VZN-80, which I far more preferred. The reason why I've never sold the Berning is it’s just a friggin' 10lb amp! I can bring it with me when I go listen to someone else's stuff. If you’re interested, it's going on the market soon.
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