Sideways move?

Thanks guys, this has been really helpful. I think I'm going to wait and try to score some more highly efficient speakers off the used market and experiment.

The Decware amp is something special and with such a potentially long wait to replace it... It would hurt bad to sell it and then have to purchase the Zen Mystery Amp and get it 15 months later.

I have my Denon SS, old trusty, which is class A and does fine, with reduced sound stage, But OK for metal.

Hard to beat Ben Webster blowing dirty on his reeds over the Decware, it's just that at the highest volume, it is pleasant, but sometimes you just want that little bit more...

Best and thanks again,

Steve

I tend to agree with Russ.  I have made that mistake before where you have serious buyer’s remorse and miss the old component or system…..  nothing worse than a lateral move or downgrade

Hard to beat Ben Webster blowing dirty on his reeds over the Decware, it’s just that at the highest volume, it is pleasant, but sometimes you just want that little bit more...

The Decware will truly sing and exhibit its full sonic glory pushing a more efficient speaker load.

Charles

I personally would keep the Ardens no matter if you buy new speakers.

Bligh Me!

So I was tube rolling the input tubes, and somehow missed the tubes in the pre-amp (Inspire 2030p) going out, at the same time, with volume reduction in BOTH channels. The Amperex 7308's sounded so good I never tried back other input tubes or thought to check the pre-amp. But when I switched over to my XP-17, it was rocking loud. So I took the pre-amp out of the equation and presto! I have a beast with good sounding 7308's and plenty of headroom again!!!

Sometimes it is that simple... I would think 25 wpc would drive anything with a sensitivity of 93 and up.

Thank you everyone, I'm embarrassed, but I'd rather be embarrassed AND relieved. Not only that, but this combo sounds much better without the pre, even after I replaced the tubes. If anyone is looking for a 2030p....

Best!

Steve