Dunlavy SC-IVa how best driven

You do not need a lot of power with the Dunlavy's - the Classic 150's are more than adequate. The SC-IVA's have a relatively high sensitivity (~91db) and a relatively stable impedance. Thus, they are conducive to the use of tubes. Indeed, after hearing the Dunlavy's with about a dozen different amps, the best amplifier for use with the SC-IVA's was, without a doubt, the BAT monoblocks (120w/ch).

I run my Dunlavys with a McCormack DNA2 Deluxe. Preamp is Pass X1. Hard to fault!

I am pleased that my Classic 150s will work well. I have loved these amps and the way their solid state front ends and 4 pair each of 6550C back ends provide the best of both worlds. I do have two more questions if you are kind enough to help out. It appears that the 4 ohm outputs should be used and with a room 16W x 17D x 11H what might the best placement be?
Thanks for your hel.
Jeff

Since the impedence and sensitivity of the SC-IVAs and the Duntechs I had are quite similar, the 4-ohm taps should work fine with the Dunlavys (in fact, they were the best sounding taps on that amp in my view). As far as placement goes, your room is about the minimum size for those speakers. Dunlavys are nice in that you can place them closer to a back wall than many others and still get reasonably decent sound (you will lose some soundstage depth back there), but they do sound much better away from the back and sidewalls. You should try to set up the speakers so you're sitting about 8-10 feet away from them so the drivers can better integrate, then bring them out from the back wall as far as you can without pushing your listening seat too close to the back wall (which will give you more, maybe too much, bass); they can also be set quite far apart if you like without affecting the imaging (I had my Duntechs about 9 feet apart; I've heard a pair of SC-VIs which were 20 feet apart image like a pair of mini-monitors), just toe them in more and watch out for sidewall reflections. Dunlavy advises putting them along the long wall, but in your case there isn't that much of a difference. These are just general suggestions--while they weigh a lot, it does pay to experiment with the placement, and they can be moved with a little effort so long as you don't have the spikes on them. Good luck!

Spectron Musician II. 500WPC will make those Dunlavy's sing!! Drop me a email,, I may be able to help you match up your pair.