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40+ watts SET, cost is not a problem

Friends,

Hope everyone is well here. I am visiting after a long time. I have a query on behalf of a close buddy of mine. He is using a pair of TAD CR1x loudspeakers. Gorgeous speakers for sure. The source is an EMT 927 TT & JPA66 preamp. For the amplification things are getting tricky. He has tried the TAD M700s reference power amp and while it sounds very controlled, it doesn't have the openness and dimensionality of tone that a good tube/SET amp provides. We are considering trying a good SET for this system. Given that TAD needs some power blossom well and expand on effortlessly, at least 40 watts of SET power would be needed. The quick choices are Kondo Kagura & Wavac HE833 Mk2. But I need more suggestions on these and other comparative products.

1. Has anyone heard the Kondo and Wavac gears to suggest a comparison? I am just a bit worried on the amount of Silver used in Kondo. I have normally found that silver takes away something from the flow and harmonics. Tell me more about it.

2. What other options can be considered in this realm? No SS please. Looking for SET options primarily.

 

Room size is moderate 17 x 13 feet. Music preferred are classic rock, jazz, pop and some classical

 

pani
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,623 posts
 

Apollo Audio systems (google them, audiogon won't allow a link) is reporting excellent results with high power SETs. He is a typical small amp company run by the genius and enthusiasm of a single gifted individual. I have no affiliation with them.

Jerry

knotscott
931 posts
 

If cost isn’t a concern, and best performance is, take a look at the Convergent amps. Nothing better overall, IMHO of course. Give Ken Stevens a call, or have your buddy call him. He may have some compelling insights for you.

immatthewj
2,035 posts
 

I’ve never heard them, but the Cary 805s (monoblocks) reportedly sound glorious. I am thinking that they put out around 50 wpc of SET. I think that they are now going for around 12k per pair. You can check on that by going to Carys web site. I think it is carydirect dot com.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@pani 

Trying to stay with your stated quest, Aries Cerat Diana Forte. PSET 845 with 60 watts per channel. At the very least they are worth a look.

Charles

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@pani

Ralph does make an interesting point. Most tube push pull amplifies are class A/B with NFB. So a pure class A zero NFB PP topology could be a potentially wonderful option with the TAD speakers.

Charles

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