I've owned 2 pairs of Hales T-8, sold my first pair, big mistake, took me several years to find a new pair.
You need a very stable big power SS, older generation KSA-200 was a very enjoyable match, upgraded to Krell MDA-500 monoblocks who bettered the KSA-200 in every way but one, lets call that musicality, made me get bored after listening for 30 minutes. Treshold T400 was also very boring. Bryston etc dont do too well, you need a very stable SS amp.
Mark Levinson 27 did a nice job, a bit lacking in ultimate power though.
Chord is a nice SS match, very fast, punchy dynamic sound, bigger models are pretty expensive though used.
I found VTL and Manley Amps work best on them. The VTL ST-185 Sig mono's being a good budget choice, lacking in ultimate power though, especially in triode mode, try to get MB-450sigs at least or higher powered older models. Use svetlana 6550 winged C tubes for a warmer "tubey" sound, EHX KT-88 for a more neutral more detailed clearer sound.
Manley Reference 440 or 500 models are the best match up to today, no power limitations with those at all. Midrange sounds sweeter, more seductive then VTL's. Same applies for power tubes as VTL models.
I currently own Manley Reference 500's with KT90 tubes, best so far. I dont see myself parting from this setup the coming decade or so.
Oh damn just noticed last reply is dated 2007, posting anyway didnt type all of this for nothing ;)
You need a very stable big power SS, older generation KSA-200 was a very enjoyable match, upgraded to Krell MDA-500 monoblocks who bettered the KSA-200 in every way but one, lets call that musicality, made me get bored after listening for 30 minutes. Treshold T400 was also very boring. Bryston etc dont do too well, you need a very stable SS amp.
Mark Levinson 27 did a nice job, a bit lacking in ultimate power though.
Chord is a nice SS match, very fast, punchy dynamic sound, bigger models are pretty expensive though used.
I found VTL and Manley Amps work best on them. The VTL ST-185 Sig mono's being a good budget choice, lacking in ultimate power though, especially in triode mode, try to get MB-450sigs at least or higher powered older models. Use svetlana 6550 winged C tubes for a warmer "tubey" sound, EHX KT-88 for a more neutral more detailed clearer sound.
Manley Reference 440 or 500 models are the best match up to today, no power limitations with those at all. Midrange sounds sweeter, more seductive then VTL's. Same applies for power tubes as VTL models.
I currently own Manley Reference 500's with KT90 tubes, best so far. I dont see myself parting from this setup the coming decade or so.
Oh damn just noticed last reply is dated 2007, posting anyway didnt type all of this for nothing ;)