Amplifier pairing for Altec Flamencos

Try to find a used Wavac MD300b. They are very rare but marvellous

@antigrunge2 is right, in my opinion.  I'm guessing them to be very efficient speakers.  I couldn't find an efficiency rating on line for them.  I have the VOTT's and drive with a SET at 6 watts/channel from Decware.  The sound/music flows out of the speakers without any effort, all frequencies.  We are all in search of our "perfect system" and this has me where I have always wanted to be.  That said, Decware can also very hard to get hands on.  Hardly ever on the secondary market and over a 1 year wait for new.  A nice SET with 300b's should really make them sing.  I tried a Dynaco ST-70 a Audio Research VS55 and a McIntosh MC7270.  While all brought their own sound to the stage, the Decware was hands down the best match.  Good luck.

Aric at Aric Audio builds tube based amplification that make those Altecs sing like never before. Check out his website and give him a call to see what he might recommend...he is a great guy to speak and work with!

I have also been utilizing an SVS SB 1000 with them. I am not positive that my current amp is affording the old Altecs the level of dynamics and resolution that they are capable of achieving.

@jplunkettj FWIW, the dynamics should come from the signal source, not the amplifier. Resolution is a different matter; that comes from low distortion. You're not going to get that from an SET; while they can be quite musical, they lack the resolution that you can get from a good push-pull amplifier (note the use of the word 'good').

Your Altecs are about 97dB; unless you are in a small room you'll find that 6 Watts isn't enough. My speakers are the same efficiency and my room is on the small side. I like to have at least 50 Watts available. You don't want to push any amplifier hard as the result is more distortion (and harsher sound due to increased higher ordered harmonics generated). If the amplifier is loafing (and you're using tubes) the tubes will last longer and the result will be more musical.

@atmasphere Thanks for your input.  Do you think your new class D mono blocks would be a good fit for the 16 ohm Altecs? Or should I stick with a tube amplifier for this speaker? I think my current tube amp falls within the parameters you outlined, but it is the only tube amp i have ever owned so i have no reference for judging its performance.  

@laaudionut Thanks for the Aric Audio suggestion. I will see what he recommends.

@hoosierinohio  I lost my opportunity a few years back to get a Decware product (owner had second thoughts) and now the waiting list is too long for me to wait. It's good to know your experience with the Decware as a good fit for Altecs. 

@hiend2  Thanks for the Atma-sphere suggestion, but i am not sure I can find any of his products -even used-that are in my budget.

I appreciate everyone's input since I have no experience with tube amps other than the one I have. I am reluctant to get a SET low wattage amp since I do rotate other less efficient speakers  to compare. Currently on rotation are Kef 105 s and Thiels.