2. amps-preamps
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Do Tube Amps go better with QUAD 2805's Speakers??

I'm very happy with a pair of QUAD 2805's which I bought new about 1yr ago. I've been using a VTL 5.5 Preamp w/phono,
LP12, Zeta Arm, BlackBird, Ayre 7E CD, VTL 225 Deluxe Monoblocks converted to 6550c's w.shunyata Tiapan helix PC's,Diamond Racing cones on Solid Steel ampstands, Nordost Heimdall speaker cables. Also a Janus 15" Sub. I'm looking to get even more clarity, presence, and deeper, natural soundstage.
SO, I'm wondering that given that the Quads are much more effecient than my previous speakers; how much of a pickup woild I get changing to say the VTL 185 monoblocks in Triode mode which put out 100 Superclean watts? I understand the new signture transformers are Much faster and improved. With the overall new technolgy far superior to my Deluxe 225's Watts in tetrode.
Also, Have you found that tubes go better with Quads?
I also admit the list price of 12K for the new amps + new 9 mtr Balanced interconnects is a tad more than I was looking to spend, but willing to save my sheckels for awhile. I appricate any feedback form the Audiogon Communitity.
Thanks!

blue_strat
blue_strat OP
25 posts
 
Thanks again. I'll demo a better preamp as well. I thought the VTL 5.5 was well regarded as a good performer - for ~aprox. $4500. We'll soon see...
sunnyboy1956's avatar
sunnyboy1956
424 posts
 
50 wpc is optimum to drive the Quads with a max of 100wpc after which, even at decent listening levels, the self protection kicks in and the speakers shut off. You may have experienced something similar. IOWs a tube amp with modest output, say 50 wpc, is the way to go. Am driving my 2905s with a CJ LP70S power amp running on 6550 C winged tubes. Even a relatively low 70 wpc tends to drive the Quads to shut down. My limited listening exposure with SS amps was a bit of a let down eg Arcam etc There is a natural synergy between tubes and ESLs but off course a lot depends on your musical preferences etc
Best of luck.
blue_strat OP
25 posts
 
Sunnyboy1956,Thanks for your comments. I haven't experienced any protection kicking in from my VTL 225 watt monoblocks at any volume I gave the Quad's. I have a fairly good sized room, 24x16x9, with an opened 'cutout' in the backwall; this leads to the entrance way and then a hallway. Live at Leads and Hendrix in the West posed no problems at moderate to fairly loud but still enjoyable volumes. I'm trying the QUAD II Classic Amps now. 15W per Class A. Not as Big, but more defined and demensional, esp. for small jazz bands like quintets & trios, chamber, folk, etc. If I buy these and swap out the tubes for something British or European, I understand I'll get a very big pickup in amp sonics.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Syntax know's, read above.

Been a Quad owner over 25 years.

By far the best vacuum tube amplifiers a Quad owner could ever use be it refurbished vintage or new Quads is OTL tube amps.

Atma-Sphere, Tenor, David Berning just to name a few.
Believe me , you have heard nothing yet.
grateful's avatar
grateful
104 posts
 
I also recommend Atma-Sphere OTLs. I drive my 988s with a set of MA1s with the power supply upgrade -- ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!! and don't even use (or miss) a sub.
William
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