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"Fast sounding tube amp" with plenty of power? any?

I recently had a chance to audition an ASL 1008 monoblocks to run my Thiel 3.6s and I found the amp to be able to run the Thiels and the warmth of tubes is there but it just sounds too slow.When I switch back to my Krell FPB 200's the music seems to sound normal again. I know this is not the best that tube amps has to offer and the Thiel 3.6's are not the best speakers for tubes,so I need your recommendation. Speakers that's at least at par with the Thiels 3.6s speed and transparency and a matching tube amp with balls.
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mes
393 posts
 
I agree with the number of votes for Atma-sphere, but as far as sonics go I find the Tenor OTL's superior, and equally as fast and dynamic. The power question is paramount, the Tenors are rated ar 75 w, and although I've seen on other posts they can drive a good many speakers of different effeciency, including Wilsons, I've not seen any comments about anyone having heard them driving Thiels, which if I recall are a somewhat difficult load. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the Tenors amply drive them, and they are so good,I think it behooves you to give them an audition if possible. The AR Ref 300 MKII's are very powerful and fast as noted above, and will drive virtually any load, if so required. I personally preferred the sound of the Tenors over the Atma-sphere, and sold my AR 300's to purchase the Tenors, which drive my speakers without blinking. Worth a test drive if possible.
gregm
3,409 posts
 
May I second Mes' suggestions & comments, on all accounts. I lately listened to Tenors & have heard Atmas (come on, the MA2 for the 3.6) and ARC. In that order, IMHO. Your ears (not mine) rule, however.

Cheers!
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I would suppose that any OTL amp would be faster than any transformer coupled tube amp. I am using s Transcendent 25 watt OTL (this is the quietest amp I've ever heard, absolutely dead silent at the listening position) and I must say that the "real time" factor is better than anything I have EVER heard from any other amp be it tube or SS. The great benefit of this speed and what is notable is that there is NO OVERHANG at any frequency, this makes the music come alive.

I haven't heard any of the other OTL's mentioned above, but the point I feel is clear, OTL amps make music more real in a way that isn't obtainable from other amplifiers and the reason is their superior speed along with that palpable presence that music lovers find in tube gear. I'm not sure that accurate is necessarily the right word but what else can it be? Maybe less fatiguing? It is so much better to my ears that I would never consider a speaker system with an impedance that wouldn't match with an OTL. There is no going back.
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