I use and really enjoy a Music Reference RM-10 Mk II, 35 wpc w/my Stirling GR's since 2019 driven by a Cary 303/300 cdp w/internal volume control and it's plenty of power in a medium size room w/vaulted ceiling. I normally listen around 75-85 dB and I play up to 90-95 db when ears are deadened by ethyl:) The Cary is 3V RMS using RCA outputs which I use and 6V using XLR's. The RM10 sensitivity is perfect for passive preamps or running direct. Good luck w/your search.
Tannoy Everyone?! with Leben CS600 or Pass XA25/30.5?
Wow. 200 hours and the Stirling are sounding really great!
My Leben cs600 seems to run out of juice though - especially on the digital side. The gain from my phonostage leaves some room, but the 2mV output from my DAC not so much.
I'm thinking Pass Labs w/a tube pre and am curious if an XA25 will drive them? Or an XA30.5 might be better? Any experience would be helpful. Gracias, amigos.
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@pdreher I feel you. I used a Cary 306/200 for many years - the BurrBrowns were hard to beat! A good friend uses the same DAC and loves it too. The 3V may have been all I needed, but I'm skeptical. Bass and dynamics loss, congestion/breakdown with "busy" passages - particularly around the top edge of female vocals and no room to move after 1100 on your dial - HEY don't touch that dial! Commercial free zone. JK. Anyway, I'm excited to find something new and reengage with happy, happy listening. It's a big drag with nothing to power the Stirlings...even for a day! |
Pass XA25 will put out over 80W AB. I don't like that sound. If you stay in class A, it is a forever amp. I tried to find an impedance curve but couldn't. Adding a sub with a crossover point less than 100 Hz will take load off your main amp. I bet the 25 will work then, There are other benefits as you well know. Good luck. Once set up you will have a beautiful sounding system. |
Ok, I have settled in and see two options, both keeping in mind that if a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 3's show up, I want to be able to accommodate them. In the meantime, I'm loving the Tannoy sound and the Stirlings are staying for some time. 1. Supratek Cortese (I've wanted one for 15+ years) + amplifier TBD Pass XA25 and Rogue Stereo 100 are both contenders (I know, I know...it's tubes), but I feel like they're sort of temporizing. - a Gamut D200i might be the things down the line if/when Dynaudios appear. 2. Accuphase E480 w/phono card. I may be discounting the PL and maybe I shouldn't, but it also feels like a temporary solution.
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