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
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Emre,

The general opinion among many friends and dealers was that Magico in Munich was dissapointment; although it is curious no one mentioned it.

But Europeans audiophiles who've heard Magico M5 were dissapointed; I had friends ready to buy it but....on the other hand MBL for the first time (in Munich) played almost fantastic; given the room.
mariv26
29 posts
 
Interesting. Our local dealer here in Hamburg ordered a pair of M5. He said it is was best loudspeakers he had ever heard, by far. I mainly heard good things about their performance in Munich and I am looking forward the hearing them.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I am currently running a pair of cj prem8a's with the factory teflon caps etc upgrades.

very very nice and is controlling the Strads beautifully.

highly recommended - long live tubes :-)
emre
8 posts
 
Kops,
I have heard the same comments for MBL as well. apparently x-treme demo was very very successful.
any opinion on soulution products? I am planning to buy preamp 720.
emre
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Downunder,

That is a great call...take the legendary 8's and upgrade them with CJ's latest Teflon capacitors. 275 watts of CJ power. Fantastic! Enjoy!

Lloyd
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