Integrated amplifier for Fritz Speakers

@mapman If I were you I’d strongly consider trying the Glow Audio Amp 1 with the Fritz.

This is interesting; but I not sure I want to fuss with tubes. Were you thinking the Glow Audio 1 or 2? Would five watts be enough to run the Carbons?

@donquichotte I don't know your amp...

You make some good observations. My opinion is that the Niles amp is not that good...I hadn't thought about the passive pre...maybe I should consider an integrated as space is an issue (the Don Sachs would never fit).

I was thinking maybe a Van Alstine control amplifier or give a PS Audio Stellar 300 a shot. Both are slim and would provide abundant power.

Typical problem - so many choices and I have heard but a small fraction of what is available. 

@erik_squires Luxman

Can you describe the house sound for Luxman? I am also looking for an amp that would work with both Zu Soul Sixes and for Klipsch Forte iv's.

Thanks all!

Amp 1 I have heard. Amp 2 is probably a decent option as well. Both very nice and very affordable to try. You might check with Fritz about that specific model but the special thing about Fritz speakers is their crossover design that provides a very easy load to drive. I’ve heard Fritz Carerra sound top notch off a similar flea power tube amp at a show and frankly I was very surprised how little power those Fritz needed. . It should deliver the more relaxed sound you are after and cost not much. Absolute spl level would be the limitation but it would probably do fine up to very decent volumes. The Amp 1 drove Audio Notes to good levels in a decent sized room.

Had a conversation with Fritz about amps for the Carbons. He mentioned Belles and Van Alstine.

When I explained that I was using a passive preamp, he thought the 120 SET Control amp might not be my cup of tea. I really do not have the space for an active preamp, so I think that eliminates Van Alstine for this setup.

He also suggested Canary and felt they had a lot of good gear. 

I mentioned Glow Audio and he had not heard their amps. My impression was that he was subtlety suggesting 50 to 100 wpc would be better than a low power amp...I do not want to misrepresent the conversation, but my inference was that more tube watts was better....he certainly was not trying to talk me into anything.

good. ed iubtling

I am surprised he said that about the 120 SET amp. It is a 60wpc amplifier with a passive attenuator. It seems to me based on your OP that it would be a good candidate for your needs. 

@mesch I am surprised he said that about the 120 SET amp

His remark was in the context of me currently using an Axiom II passive with the speakers, which Fritz felt was a pretty good passive. He was thinking the passive in the 120 SET would get me where I wanted to go...which is to eliminate the "sterile" sound of the current setup. 

I suppose that the SET 120 would be a definite step up from the Niles amp I am currently using with the Axiom.

My problem is that I do not understand the sound signature of the SET 120. Is it forward or laid-back, warm or cool, detailed or not, dynamic of not, etc.

I am looking for a bit warm and liquid.