2. amps-preamps
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Hybrid - Tube / SS amp capable of sub 1 Ohm loads?

I've done searches and haven't found anything that really discusses this.

There are a few options that I've seen that are Hybrid that will do this, for example:The Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000.

That amp is getting old, is there anything more modern that will accomplish this? Am I chasing a pipe dream here? The Lamm series claims to be able to do it but it will not in reality. I know people that has had these and tried to run them on an Apogee Scintilla and it pooped out.

There might be some tube-amps that can operate with a such load, but they are more voltage driven, not current and the Scintilla needs current.

Thanks

Pete
narkotic
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rauliruegas
13,121 posts
 
Dear Pete: Other than the JC1 that already recomended to you IMHO the ML 20.5s or 20.6s could/should be a great match.

These ML amps are pure Class A an not only goes down beyond 1 Ohm but put at 1 Ohm 800 watts and beyond specs these monoblocks have very high quality sound performance. IMHO till today these amps were/are onof the best amp design ever and you could find it ( second hand/used ) for a relative low price.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
hchi
43 posts
 
For tube: Tube Research Labs
For SS: Krell KAS2 and KAS
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rauliruegas
13,121 posts
 
Dear Pete: Of course that are other alternatives like the Lamm 1.2 ( hybrid ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
jafox
1,467 posts
 
I heard a rumo(u)r that the CAT JL-2 can be configured to drive <1-ohm loads.....the Scintillas actually. This would be a HUGE improvement over the Wolcott. I ran with the Wolcott for a few years until I changed to a pair of JL-3 monos....not even close! So give Ken Stevens at CAT a call.
cxintx
18 posts
 
Maybe a (used) Anthem Amp 2, hybrid 200 w/ch. I know it can drive 2 ohms, however you probably need a specialist class A totally solid state amp for that punishing load. But you know that already. Think long rows of bipolar transistors, and huge heatsinks, old school amps. Modern high end amps are hampered by needing to be adaptable to home theater, they dont really make the current diesels any more. Van Alstine makes a hybrid power amp that he can adapt for tough loads also I think.
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