Coincident Dragon Amplifier

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.

I strongly recommend that you give a less expensive pair of monoblocs which run 6CA7 EH fat bottles two pairs in parallel PP per bloc yielding 75-78 wpc. The supplied 6922 should be rolled but the NOS 5687 input tube is fine. The amps I use and think are superb are Opera Consonance Cyber 800 monos. They are now available with triode switch if you find that preferable. The google the 6 moons review by the late John Potis who conferred the Blue Moon award on them.
Stephen Monte an Audiogon dealer has them and I promise you will be shocked by these amps. The fact that they cost less than half you extreme upper limit is a bonus. I don't know if you can audition them but as I said Quest For Sound is a dealer and may be able to work something out.
Good luck and thank you for the forums most comprehensive technical explainations.
No financial conflict of interest to declare.