Recommendations for an amp to suit my Tannoy Berkeleys?

[Andy831]

I use Tannoys 15" Time compensated 3838 drivers in my GRF Memory reflex cabinets, these are rated at 92db anachoic and 95db domestic sensitivity.

My room is quite small 3.85 x 3.5 I drive these speakers effectively with either a Nick Gorham 300B Set Monoblocks (9watts/ channel) or a Bel Canto Set 40 (37 watts / channel)

Nicks amps sound glorious in the mid and high frequency range but the Bel Canto has it in the bass region very much as you would expect.

In summary I think SET amps can work with these speakers but as with all things Hi Fi the amp / speaker combo has to be tailored to your own room. I am sure in a large 6m x 6m lounge both these amps may struggle but in my room they are lovely.

[WESTLOWER]

Hi Adam,

This:



Tube Distinctions Copper amp. Hand-built, point-to-point wired, 50W of Class A lurveliness, via 4 x KT150s (added since that picture was taken), and features the use of bespoke, hand-wound transformers.

And it plays music, other than rock and blues (into Tannoy 15" MGs), erm, 'not too badly'.....

Marco.

Very Nice..it reminds me of the Manhattan Skyline!

[mikeyb]

Lovely looking amp Marco, but no doubt well over my budget, which isn't really fixed as such, but I'm not going to go daft cost wise, I really don't want to go over £1500-£2000 second hand, I'd rather buy used and get maximum I can for my money ( don't we all ).

In all honesty I'd rather the convenience of an SS integrated with DAC and Phono Stage and remote with the tight bass and timing, but I also want the liquid sound that valves give.

The primary thing though is the sound, that comes first way above convenience.

I'm still looking at the Ear 8L6 but not 100% convinced it's the right choice as I won't be able to hear it before purchase but it's right in budget, recently checked and serviced by Ear and still there awaiting delivery to either myself or its owner if I don't want it.

The decisions we have to make when thinking about buying a £5000 amp with 70% discount, life's tough eh

[Marco]

Very Nice..it reminds me of the Manhattan Skyline!

Lol - yes I can see where you're coming from!

Marco.

[Marco]

Lovely looking amp Marco, but no doubt well over my budget, which isn't really fixed as such, but I'm not going to go daft cost wise, I really don't want to go over £1500-£2000 second hand, I'd rather buy used and get maximum I can for my money ( don't we all ).

Indeed, and thanks. I wouldn't have mentioned it, had Adam not asked so nicely, as I know it's out of your budget. I think it would take around £6k to tempt Anthony to build one these days, as there's so much work involved with them.

Marco.

[struth]

Take the k off and I'm interested

[Macca]

Lol... That implies then that if you're not into rock and blues, valves are no use or not as good...

Need I remind you of how extensive my tastes are in music, what amp I use, and how well it plays ALL genres of music?

And the same can be the case for Mike....

Marco.

No, I was not implying that. I do think valves are an expensive way of doing it. But that's neither here nor there if you have the money.

[Marco]

Fairy muff. It might be an expensive way of doing it, but it's also a really good way, if done right. I didn't go down that particular road, just to 'waste money', you know!

If I thought an SS amp could've done the same thing for much less, doncha think I'd have bought one?

Marco.

[Marco]

Take the k off and I'm interested

There's a couple of copper screws here you could have

Marco.

[Macca]

Fairy muff. It might be an expensive way of doing it, but it's also a really good way. I didn't go down that particular road, just to 'waste money', you know!

If I thought an SS amp could've done the same thing for much less, doncha think I'd have bought one?

Marco.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. Just saying if I had some big Tannoys and wanted to match them with valves, it would be Radford for me.