2. amps-preamps
  3. 1233859347

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
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
narra2000
2 posts
 
I used a pair of OTL3s from NYAL - OTLs are the only way to go with Quads but they don't make the output tubes as well as they used to. So, second best thing is to use good tube amps that best matches the impedance curve of the Quads.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Electrostats don't require a lot of current to drive them, unlike dynamic speakers. They prefer voltage amplifiers like most tube amps. My guess is any good sounding 50-60W tube amp would work great. I fixed Quads for many years and most of the problems I saw were due to people using high powered solid state amps to drive them with. A really bad idea.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I have a friend with the 2805's that he recently purchased new. He is currently using a push/pull tube amp of his own design using EL34 outputs with excellent results. I would definitely consider an OTL with these speakers. I own a Berning ZH270 which I have heard driving ESL 63's with stellar results. We plan in the near future trying the Berning with his speakers. I expect very good things. The Berning is rated at 70 watts. If you check the archives there is another owner of these speakers using the zh270 as well.
narra2000
2 posts
 
I wonder if anyone has any experience with other OTL amps: Graaf or Einstein and any word on their reliability and availability of service in the US? Also, the Quad II Forty and Quad II Eighty are supposed to be excellent but have not heard them with the 63, 988 or 2805. I also heard rumors that the new Moscode is very good with the Quads as well. I have never really liked solid state amps with ESLs, especially the Quads but has anybody has a different experience. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have experiences with these
More to discover