2. speakers
  3. 1329468063

Amp recommendations for Tannoy Canterbury SE

I have just purchased the Tannoy Canterbury SE speakers and am driving them with my existing Ayon Audio Triton II KT88-based monoblocks delivering 100 Watts per channel. My only source Ayon CD-5 is connected directly to the Ayon monos, since the CD-5 has got a decent volume control. I listen to mostly very fast and dynamic music including rock, techno and others.

My initial impressions are that I am not getting speed, punch and tight bass. I am wondering if this is possibly due to an amp mismatch. While the tube amp's 100 Watts seem more than adequate for Canterburys 8 ohms and 96db spec, I wish I could get better results.

I am seeking recommendations on what could be the best suitable amp for the Tannoy Canterburies. I am open to both tubes and solid state.
- What could be some of the best Tube Amps as well as Solid State Amps that could be a good match ?
- Existing Tannoy Prestige series speaker owners - what amps do you use ?
- Should I be looking at tube amps which are based on tubes other than KT-88 ?

If you have any other recommendations in positioning/configuring the Canterburies please let me know too.

Many thanks in advance
Wilfred
wilfredt
cfluxa's avatar
cfluxa
127 posts
 
Wilfred - I'm not sure what your requirements for dynamics and punch are, but in my experience the 845 tubes can deliver plenty of it - I'm guessing this would especially be the case with Jim Smith's Viva mono blocks, which appear to be sporting a small regiment of 845s there.

Aside from that, to my ears the 845 is a far superior tube to the KT88. While the latter are fast with extended highs and tight bass, they lack that SET magic that the 845s do have a taste of, and which I would certainly be seeking to get with a pair of Westminsters.

In that regard, I also find Jeff Day's comments about the synergy with the 300Bs quite intriguing. Indeed, I'm guessing that this is more a question of synergy than outright power. If I were you, I'd be seeking out the former rather than the latter. I'd also certainly be pinging Jeff Day for his thoughts - I have no doubt he'd be more than happy to disgorge his wisdom for you.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
You're welcome, Wilfredt. Good luck with everything.
wilfredt OP
36 posts
 
Charles1dad, you are right. Going by the specs, the Westminster is 99db versus Canterburies which are 96db. Nevertheless it will be worth to try the 300b amps whenever possible. And yes, your point regarding active gain preamp is something I would definitely try.
wilfredt OP
36 posts
 
Cfluxa - thanks for your encouraging feedback on 845 tubes.

As we speak(well, post), Jim has sold the Viva amps and apparently has found a better matching amplifier.

I shall consult Jim Smith and Jeff Day to seek their advice.
hornguys
180 posts
 
Wilfredt - I use a variety of amps on the Canterburys. There is not that big of a difference in the areas you describe. Yes, there is a difference, but it's not overwhelming - whether it's the Viva 845 amp which only has one 845 output (the 3 211s per amp are rectifiers & drivers), a ss Pass XA 30.5 or other amps I have on hand.

I tend to think your issue is more about how your Canterburys are "playing the room."

Of course, I could be very wrong, but those are the symptoms you describe.

A particular tube or even an amp is not likely to solve the issues you have described.

Worrying about how the electrons flow through a device is miniscule compared to addressing the acoustic wave launch into the room and how it is received - IMO, of course...
More to discover