2. amps-preamps
  3. 160973-525

Considering a Raven Audio Blackhawk Integrated for Tannoy Sterlings

I recently purchased a pair of Tannoy Sterling speakers. Rated 91dB sensitive which do not drop below 5 ohms impedance. My room I about 12' x 15' x 8.5'. It is treated with absorption panels to my liking. 

I am currently driving the Sterlings with a BEL 1001 MK5 SS amp (50wpc), itself driven by an Aric Audio Special all tube preamp. System is digital based with an Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC fed by Mac Mini or CD transport. 

The system sounds wonderful, however I am looking to simplify, and have not experienced tubes in the power amplifier stage. The Blackhawk is 20wpc. I auditioned the Sterlings with a Luxman 20wpc class A SS amplifier. That amp drove them very well in a room volume greater than my room. I am aware that Raven Audio allows a 45 day trial period with loss of shipping only if one wished to return the integrated. 

 I find the Tannoys to have a certain warmth that I enjoy. Not thinking that I need any more provided by an amplifier. Love the 'bloom' and 'air' around notes, soundstaging, and imaging provided by tubes.

Obviously, given the trial period I could audition the pairing in my own room. I am just looking for thoughts from members herein, some that own Raven or Tannoy. Thanks in advance. 






mesch
mesch OP
3,414 posts
 
Jjss49, thanks for the kind words. I have decided to hold on making changes to my amplification.  Plan on keeping my Aric Audio preamp and Bell 1001 Mk5 for now. Likely purchase a tube amplifier from Aric down the road. 
mesch OP
3,414 posts
 
Well, I thought I might provide an update to my decision regarding amplification within my system. I have decided to stick with separates, will keep my Aric tube pre, sold my BEL amp (possibly a mistake) and purchased a Pass XA25. In the future I intend to purchase Aric's Transcend tube amplifier thus having both SS and a tube amplification to play with. 

As my dedicated audio room is not of high volume, ~1500 sq.ft., I don't believe I am in need of many watts, just clean current and speakers of reasonable sensitivity.

Thanks to all!
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,865 posts
 
@mesch 

 I know you were following my thread on Raven. I decided to go with an Aric Super KT88 150 SE. I spoke with Aric a while back when I was preamp shopping but ultimately ended up with a Sachs pre. But I have followed his work and always wanted to try one of his amps. So I guess I get to do that now.

Oz


jetter
2,971 posts
 
@mesch 
Can you give your impressions of the Pass XA25, maybe versus the BEL?  I have thought about purchasing one every now and then.  Thanks in advance.
mesch OP
3,414 posts
 
@jetter I will provide my thoughts after spending some time with the 25. I sold the BEL prior to getting the 25 so a direct comparison is not possible. I was playing around with a Line Magnetic 211(EL34 PP) in the interim. 
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