Anyone pairing Cornwall IVs with solid state amplification to good results?


Because I have an obsessive need to try out all sorts of gear, I paired my Cornwall IVs with a nice Marantz PM KI Ruby integrated.  What surprised me was I actually liked a Class D design at a "reasonable price" and the resulting sound is more than livable.  It's a great pairing. 

There's little chance I sell off my tube museum of gear and valves, but this experiment was a pleasant surprise.  I have now tried them with push pull EL 34, KT88/KT120, KT150, 300 B, and Class A solid state, and Class D solid state. 

Any of you out there in hifi land using a solid state amplifier with Cornwall IVs or a horn loaded speaker to great effect?   I am appreciative to hear your experience. 

128x128jbhiller

I can confidentially bet that the PA5 can go 15 rounds with any high-end amp! 
 

and what has led you to be so confident?  If you can make that comment then you MUST have tested it a/b against other amps. When I heard that thing it was as sterile and lifeless as can be. 

@blkwrxwgn , AGREED.  

Maybe I'm in the mid-January doldrums up here in gray Chicago, but I'm growing tired of the drop in posts that are all over the place.  

 

 

@jbhiller probably a disciple of ASR, there was a super long discussion on the site talking about how great that amp is.  Still no need for blanket ridiculous statements.

I had been using a Pass XA25 until I received the First Watt SIT 3. I think this is  great combo. It’s so organic and seemingly built around a lush mid Range. The Bass isn’t bad either…it’s very ballsy, not near as fast as the Pass, but still hard hitting. I’ve been obsessed with listening to Eric Clapton’s unplugged and Lady in the balcony. It’s beautiful.

Upstream is a Coincident Statement and a BorderPatrol SEi. Upstream a blusound node 2i, probably the next upgrade.

if your into clean and clinical, this ain’t your thing, but you wouldn’t have Klipsch speakers either. It’s just lush and gorgeous. I’m addicted

 

 

@jbhiller 

The Allnic is a great sounding amp. I actually had it before the LS II so I had it paired with the CW IV, which sounded great also. I replaced a Don Sachs pre/Aric Audio amp with the Allnic.