2. amps-preamps
  3. 1221604868

Powerful Tube Amp for SF Strads?

I am looking for recommendations for a powerful tube amp for my Strads. A powerful tube amp which truly excels at palpability, musicality but also has very good bass control (though bass control is not as 'mission critical' to me as palpability).

My current amp (see below) sounds great to my ears!...but runs out of steam much too soon.

My system today:

Zanden 5000S DAC
CJ Act 2
CJ MV60 (EL 34 tube)
SF Strads (4ohms, 92db sensitivity though impedence does dip to 2.5ohms)
Velodyne DD-18 (run in parallel)
Transparent Ref/Ref XL cabling throughout
Purist Audio Dominus PC

In addition to recommendations, any thoughts are welcome on Wavac, Audio Note, Zanden, VTL, CJ LP275...or monoblocking MV60 (EL34)? Thanks!

Lloydelee21
lloydelee21
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Not yet Lloyd. I hope to listen to the Lp275's in early to mid January
xagwell
132 posts
 
I currently have Maggie 3.6's which have a sensitivity of 88db's and 5 ohms with Manley Neo Classic 250 Mono's
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Thanks, Downunder. Cannot wait! i too may hear in mid to late Jan. Wavacs, Gryphons, LP275s are on the top of the list at the moment. Bernings are also still a possibility.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
When I read the hifi+ revfiew, the Bernings would not be to my taste. Too lean and mean vs the warmer more robust sounding cj LP275's. At least what Gregory said.

The Gryphons will be interesting - I have heard the cheaper Encore - good bass, treble too SS. I assume the Class A modles wil have more liquidity

cheers
kejser
2 posts
 
Hi Lloydelee21

I use the Berning Quadrature Z to run my Avalon ISIS, Amazing that's all I can say. They are by fare the best PowerAmps I have heard, and I have been around ;-)

Br, JK
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