2. amps-preamps
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Totem response re: recommended tube amp for Sttaf

Pauly suggested contacting Totem for tube amp recommendations for my Sttaf speakers. They responded in kind and indicated that the Sttaf "is a wonderful loudspeaker that can be paired to tube electronics with great success". I say "Kool!".

They even make suggestions:

"in an average sized listening room (15 x 15) we would recommend a minimum of 40 watts to reach maximum dynamics". Hey, there are lots of amps here to pick from in my budget. Then they say something giberish like " in class "A" single ended the sttaf will only need 15 watts, but these amp are generally quite expensive for a good design". Sounds like expensive giberish to me. I don't think I need to know what all that even means (although I am considering an 80 watts class "A" ss amp- but its not all that expensive).

Then they even recommend some amps (I wonder if they get any kickbacks:-).

"a good compromise between power and performance is a push pull configuration a unit such as prima luna prologue I or II ($) is a very nice amp considering its asking price other nice offerings include

manly stingray ($$)

canary audio ($$)

audio research vsi55 ($$$)

air tight ACT 1 ($$$$)"

The $$$ and $$$$ amps I don't want to even look up. The prime luna prologue was suggested to me in another thread and is fixed in my sights. Does anyone know anything about the Manely Stingray (they spelled it wrong)? Wow what a BEAUTIFUL looking machine!! And I even like the name. You could build a room around this piece. Not many sites to explore for this one (not mentioned on audiogon that I could find). You can find a review at http://www.stereotimes.com/amp030100.shtml .

I'm enlightened. I've got the tube amp on the brain so much now that I already have a place in mind in the living room to show case it.

I think I only have to remember that:
Self biasing and EL 34 are good things.
Cayin 70T, Consonance, and Prima Luna Prologue I or II are my main targets (I think Jolida is there too).

The hunt continues.
djh
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Thanks for this follow-up. Totem gave you a nice answer—complete with useful details and a good selection of amps at different price points. Kudos to them.

You can bet their recommendations are based on experience. They will actually have tested the Sttaffs with each amp on the list.

I agree with you that the Manley Stingray tends to induce drool. Manley products have an excellent reputation. The president and CEO is well-known and often appears at audio shows.

And ooh, an Air Tight... look it up just for fun. Maybe not your style, but so cool.

Here’s what the ‘gibberish’ you mention means: it’s hard to get big, clean, reliable watts out of Class A amp designs without spending big money. That’s why, overall, class A amps have lower rated output than push-pull. Since good Class A designs tend to be expensive, unless you are willing to spend, don’t bother with class A. If you do want to spend, the Staffs will be happy with fewer watts in Class A.

Happy amp hunting!
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
Are we reenacting the "Prestige", which door(thread) are you behind?
rumadian
152 posts
 
DJH,

I've got a little experiment for you. Send Totem another e-mail and ask about the Vista Audio i84 integrated amplifier. (a self biasing - push pull EL84 integrated that runs the first 8 watts in class A, with the remaining 7 in class A/B mode).

I mention this $730 integrated because I too have ran the wonderful Sttaf for a number of years. A lot of very expensive and highly regraded speakers have come through these doors, none have managed to oust the little Sttaf from their main stereo duties. That said, quite a few inexpensive (Jolida, Antique Sound Labs, Rogue, Prima Luna) have come through these doors - and none of them can do what this little integrated can do. When it comes to matching the Sttaf with an affordable tube amp, I've yet to come across anything better - provided you can live with 15watts.

Good look in the hunt - if you do e-mail Totem, I'd be very interested to hear what they have to say.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,319 posts
 
I posted to your other thread but it sounds like you are well down the path to a decision. That's great! Have fun...let us know how things turn out.
djh OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the reply Ghosthouse. I'm sifting through all the info and having a ball. I'm starting to relax about trying something different. Afterall, if I don't like the results, a different component is just a sell/buy deal away. I just wish I didn't have to conform to a financial limit:-)

I've e-mailed Totem again Rumadian. Will let you know of their reply when it comes back.

Thanks for all the advice.
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