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"Last" system puzzle piece - Tube amp option

My reference system is pretty much done except for wanting to have another amplifier option. Currently using and very much enjoying a GamuT D200i with a Shindo Vosne-Romanee to drive Verity Amadis speakers. Sources are a Well Tempered Versalex (though an Auditorium 23 T2 SUT), Basis Signature 2500 (through a Nagra VPS), Technics 1500 R2R, dCS Puccini & U-Clock, and Kenwood L-01T FM tuner. ICs are Auditorium 23. Speaker cable is Wireworld Silver Eclipse 6. Power conditioning is via a Running Springs Haley. I made the "mistake" of auditioning the Nagra VPA monoblocks. In a word - WOW! But before I consider buying such expensive amplification to alternate with the GamuT, I was hoping to learn about other tube amplifier options that any of you know or believe I should consider. I listen mostly to classical, jazz, blues, and vocals, and I do like to listen at moderate and above levels. The GamuT does an excellent job, but I am smitten with the VPAs and hence my interest in a tube amplifier option. I would like to keep the cost under $20K and I prefer to buy new electronics. Many thanks in advance for all comments and suggestions!

Regards,
Steven
4musica44107
sibelius
256 posts
 
I'd suggest checking out the Shindo GM70's. They will match well with your Shindo Preamp. The GM70 is an overlooked SET tube - especially for those looking for a little more power than the traditional SET.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Sibelius - Thank you for the suggestion. I guess it would not hurt to arrange an audition, but it is hard to imagine that 20 watts a side is going to drive the Amadis properly when listening to something like large-scale classical music. And it is my understanding that the Amadis, despite its 93db sensntivity, has a bit of a challenging impedance curve, so much so that I had already pretty much ruled out the much more powerful Shindo CC 80s. That said, it would be great if Shindo amplification would do the trick!

So thank you. I will reconsider Shindo and perhaps arrange auditions.

Regards,
Steven
larryi
3,973 posts
 
As a very rough rule, I would say don't rule out amps that are supposedly too low in power for a particular application. I would at least give the Shindo a try. They make quite decent sounding gear. I tend to like the intrinsic sound quality of lower-powered tube amps much more than the higher powered amps. I have not heard a 100 watt or more tube amp using pushpull tetrode and pentode tubes that I really liked much. My favorite amps tend to be single ended triode amps, followed by pushpull triode amps. It has been quite a while since I heard the 211 amp made by Wyetech, but, I liked the sound of that amp and I would bet it has more than enough power for your needs.

If you feel that you do need more than 20 watts, consider an output transformerless (OTL) tube amp. These amps deliver incredibly dynamic and lively sound regardless of the nominal output level. It has been a while since I heard the Nagra amps, but, I would hazard a guess that Atmasphere OTLs would be to your liking; the alternative I am familiar with (Joule) are warmer sounding than the Atmasphere and probably less like the Nagra.
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
The only speakers that I’ve really liked the VPAs paired with were by Verity (Fidelios and Parsifals), so you might have found the right amplifier right off the bat.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Larryi - Thank you. The comments by you and others reinforce my decision to audition two of the Shindo monoblock offerings. I have heard of Wyetech and Atmasphere but am not familiar with their products. I appreciate knowing about those amps, but I believe I will begin with Shindo since they are available locally, and if they work for me, I will finally get to experience the much-praised Shindo synergy magic.

Phaelon - I was pleased to read that you liked the VPAs with Verity, especially the Parsifals which I understand are a bit difficult to drive. Out of curiosity, though, what speakers did you hear the VPAs with and not like the pairing as much as you did with the Verity speakers?

Thank you both for your comments and suggestions.

Regards,
Steven
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