Sideways move?
I currently have a pair of Tannoy Legacy Ardens (sensitivity 93) and love them. I am running them with a Decware Zen Torii M5 with bypass mods. They sound wonderful together... But... the 25 watts from the Zen Torii just isn't enough to properly do justice to the Ardens, after tube rolling and finding the right output tubes (KT66).
Since I am relatively happy, I was thinking of several options:
1) Get a pair of Devore O/96's (I'm never going to part with the Tannoys)
2) Sell the Decware and get an LTA z40+ or a Luxman 509X
I love the Decware, but I think selling it and the tubes I've stashed for it, might make it possible to go up another rung...
Thank you,
Steve
The Circle Labs A200 is a good choice for your Ardens and will give you power without compromising the sonics you're currently enjoying.
If you'd like to venture out into speakers instead, the Horning Hybrid Zeus or Aristotle are worth consideration and will be significantly easier to drive than your Tannoys. |
The Hornings will probably sound marvelous with the Decware amplifier. These speakers are definitely an easier load to drive. A nice choice toward a different pathway, if so desired. Charles |
The Horning Hybrid Zeus looks really interesting. The Circle Labs 200A, at $9000, looks like it is competitive, but reviews have been a little tepid. I hate buying based on reviews, but it's where we are. I think I might just have to wait, save up, and then A/B a few things with the current system, with them hopefully allowing break-in or audition, and see what falls out. If I sell the Decware I want it to be a slam dunk. Anyone with experience with the LTAz40+ or the Luxman 509X? Thanks everyone, Steve |
re: Circle Labs A200: here is a thread on Audiogon with owners sharing their opinions: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/circle-labs-a200-integrated-amplifier-review-it-will-appeal-to-both-t
It also won the Positive Feedback Writers’ Choice Award 2021, and is on Part Time Audiophile’s list of Best Integrated Amplifiers. |
