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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
tuboo
93 posts
 
Have had the Stradivari for some year and partnered it with some very different amps. i have a very large listening room. the best all round partnering obviously was with the Accuphase P7100. beeing fairly high in sensitivity ( 92 or even 93dB) it comes to mind it can be partnered with any good an nice tubeamp. well to really get the performance i would choose great SS anytime.
it's all in the match.
the claim that 'this SS sounds like tubes' is to my experience hoped for but never achieved.
what does happen indeed is that both camps come closer still to the ultimate goal. and that is good news.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I would prefer the Lamm 1.2 Ref. to any tube amp with this kind of speaker.
tuboo
93 posts
 
Have actually partnered my Stradivari at that time with Lamm M1.2Ref for a longer period. although a nice combination as for sound and an 'easy' on the ear musical experience, after the Accuphase P7100 match the Lamm hybrid was soon forgotten and parked in our memories as NOT the match with Stradivari.
id rather think of Accuphase, Gryphon, FMA, Boulder, Soulution, Krell, Ayre.
ymmv :-)
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Thanks Tuboo. I agree with your comments about SS v Tubes...ultimately we are looking for what we feel is "real music" (not SS or Tube), and i also agree that the best of each technology do trend towards that singular goal. Beyond that, the ultimate way of getting there is different for each person.

To all those who have been so helpful in their advice: i have not formally committed yet to anything...but expect to do so quite soon fingers crossed. Just working out the details. Fingers crossed! Will post if and when done.
tuboo
93 posts
 
there are very enthusiast reports on Stradivari and Soulution as a match made in heaven. think i read these at the Greek ACA website where many show attendants reviewed this combination as absolutely stellar. and that in the light of show conditions.
if i still had Stradivari i would have no doubt as for amps: they would be SS and could be chosen for personal liking due to character. we might likely agree that the Boulders are bit different than the Vitus amps.
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