Coincident Dragon Amplifier


I'm starting to think about a power amp upgrade I'll probably want to do within a few months, and I'd appreciate experienced-based comments on the Coincident Dragon monoblocks.

I would be using them with my Daedalus Ulysses speakers. Even though the Ulysses are 97db/1W/1m efficient, I want amplifier power that approaches the Dragon's 75W rating because I listen to a lot of classical symphonic music having wide dynamic range. The Dragon, with its push-pull 211's, therefore strikes me as an amp that would hopefully provide a nice balance between directly-heated triode sonics and relatively high power.

Its $9K price tag, btw, is at the extreme upper limit of what I would want to spend.

Thanks in advance,
-- Al
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xalmarg
Don't have any experience with the Coincident Dragon. That said have a 211 amp, pure class A and 36 watts, monoblocks and about 110 pounds each.
Yes, that is about half of what your looking for in power. They are Wyetech;s and I bought mine for slightly less than your upper limit used. They come up from time to time. The output tubes have their own transformer as do the input tubes. I am a definite fan, from first hearing onward. So take that into consideration.
BTW I have really enjoyed your comments over time and have very much appreciated your responses.
I'm biased because I've owned VAC Renaissance amps for over ten years, but the VAC Renaissance 70/70 (either Mk. III or Signature). It's 65 watts/channel, with very stiff power supplies and excellent output trannies, making it sound a lot more powerful (it can drive 2 Ohm loads). Totally dual-mono with two power cords and two on/off switches and weighing 135 lbs., it's a zero-feedback, Class A-biased push/pull design that uses eight DHT 300B's. It autobiases and has a "sentry" amp protection circuit that shuts down any output tube that goes out of spec. Fully point-to-point wired and featuring very high parts and build quality, the Signature retailed for $18k and Mk. III $14k ten years ago, but they can now be had for less than $5k. The only negative is the hotrod circuit, which requires carefully vetted 300B's.

PS - I run Coincident speakers.
Hey Al - Did you ask Lou for his suggestions? I know he likes the Modwright amps I use, and I can tell you that combination is outstanding (Disclaimer: Modwright is a client). I also heard the Ulysses the first time via what I'm pretty sure were 211 based amps - Lou was showing with this manufacturer at RMAF '06 and it was also a magical combo that had me glued in his room for over an hour as I recall. Great choice of speakers!
Almarg,
I think it will be difficult to find an amp with the power and scale along with the true sonic character of a DHT tube that the dragon provides. It`s a brillant design that sounds fantastic.Not quite as nuanced as the Frankenstein MK2 300B(which I own) but with additional power for tougher speaker loads. I don`t feel you can go wrong here.
Almarg, I apologize for posting off topic, but I'm so enthralled by your room that I had to say something. How tasteful; you have everything working together for a warm, classic look. I could listen to my ipod in there.