2. amps-preamps
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How much power do I really need for Totem Tribe Tower? LFD NCSE II, Sugden ANV-50 or?

Over the years I’ve had a number of Totem monitors and floor standers, as well as many others including Vandersteen 3A, Avalon Radian HC and Joseph Audio Perspective. But I now prefer smaller speakers. And I’ve owned a range of electronics, most recently Rogue M-180 monos (breat but too big and too hot) and, for a short time, a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 (flat and lifeless - on a number of different speakers; just meh).

Earlier this year I picked up a used pair of Tribe Towers (89dB into 4 ohms), which I really, really love. They’re always musical, never fatiguing and have fantastic imaging and amazing bass in a small package. With them I’m currently running a PS Audio Directream DAC directly into PS Audio M700 monos. My room is pretty large at ~18’x20’. I’m looking to upgrade from the M700s. Budget is $4k max, used.

Totems have a reputation for really coming to life with powerful, high quality electronics. Manufacturer suggests min 50 w/ch. The M700s are fantastic for the money, easily drive the Tribe Towers and are never fatiguing. My Dad’s got a PS Audio BHK 250 amp that he’s going to be selling (and is in budget), so I gave it a try back to back with the M700s. Wow, the BHK is phenomenal, on a whole different level in every respect, not surprisingly, and a nice match for the TTs. My only misgiving is it’s BIG and HEAVY.

Dad also has a smaller secondary system with an LFD LE IV integrated (only 60 w/ch) so I tried it back to back with the M700s. The LFD is more musical, images better and has a deeper soundstage. On the downside, bass isn’t quite as deep or well controlled and it was a bit too forward, for me a no go.

Think I’d like to keep it simple and stick with a solid state or hybrid amp or integrated, preferably <10 years old. The LFD NCSE II and Sugden ANV-50 are appealing and within budget used but I’m concerned they won’t have enough juice given the size of my room. Ditto for Luxman integrateds. Also thinking about a more powerful Rogue Medusa hybrid amp, an older BAT VK-3000se hybrid integrated, Coda Csib and others.

Thoughts?

schotbus
ghdprentice
7,046 posts
 

@brylandgoodman

I have Totems fed with an integrated tube amp… they sound simply wonderful. Your comments outline my journey over decades with high power amps that slowly led me to all tube power on my systems.

For the first few decades in high end audio I searched out slam (to my mind somewhat artificial) with high power amps with a bit lean midrange and fast bursts of power in the bass… slam. But with good tube gear you get a so much better midrange and very articulate, nuanced, and detailed bass… that, I noticed it is way more natural, like real music. They trade off for me is a no brained. Wished I figured this out a couple decades earlier.

 

My systems went from something I liked listening to for 30 - 45 minutes to something I can’t drag myself away from after hours. 

juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

@ghdprentice you nailed it. You have to find that synergy that breathes life into the musical reproduction. +1 

schotbus OP
14 posts
 

Thanks for all the useful advice.

After a lot of additional research I concluded a powerful hybrid integrated was the way to go.  About 9 months ago I took the plunge on a BAT VK-3000SE for $2700 and haven't looked back.  VERY pleased with the performance, value and synergy with the Tribe Towers.

Imaging and bass depth and control are great; highs are a little sweet and never fatiguing; soundstage depth is very good. And upgrading the power cable took it up a notch.  Probably will try upgrading the fuses later this year.

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