Dunlavy SC-IVa how best driven


I have been driving my B & W 801s with Northcreeks crossovers with Audio Reasearch Classic 150s upgraded with infinicaps. My preamp is an Audio Reseach Ref 2. Does the IVs require more power to sing? Thus far i've been quite pleased with the performance of my system, but after hearing the IVas driven by an x350 combined with a tube front end, I knew I had to upgrade the speakers.
128x128jwin
Try a Classe CA-301/401 or new Bryston 7-B SST (mono's)or 14-B SST with either 801's or SC-1V/A's. Classe amplifiers are true, fully balanced circuit topology. Both amps sound great. Will sound spendid with top-notch tube pre's.
Give em a listen!

peter jasz
I don't think the 4s need a lot of power. I loved mine with a 30 watt Pass Aleph 3 amp. They are really versatile speakers amps wise.
I used ARC Classic 150s with my Duntech Princesses for years (John Dunlavy's design at Duntech that was the precursor of the SC-IV and IVA). Those amps had more than enough power for those speakers, and plenty of strength in the bass in particular. I think that they will work VERY well with the Dunlavys, don't replace them till you hear them with the speakers. My feeling has been that the Dunlavys really benefit from great tubed amplification more than the Duntechs, which had a warmer midrange; by using the Classic 150s you'd also get the benefit of solid state-like control and extension in the bass.