Speaker Shootout

[ambient]

I've read often here about the importance of current in amplification. I've not seen a comprehensive way to determine what a particular amp's peak current delivery is at low impedance transients -- say 2 ohms for example.

Or, if that's the wrong question, what is the correct one? What are the characteristics of an above average current source?

 

[audiodon]

I use a powered sub with my tube gear. Problem solved.

 

[Art K.]

The US ProAc distributor told me a couple years ago that their speakers were being voiced with Audio Research amps. Not sure about the truth of it but that is what I was told.

 

[newworld]

The US ProAc distributor told me a couple years ago that their speakers were being voiced with Audio Research amps. Not sure about the truth of it but that is what I was told.

That's correct, but that's way above my pay grade. Now they use Sugden, and I actually think it contributes to their more 'modern' voicing of the newer offerings.

 

[davidro]

Isn't some second hand Sugden within your budget?

 

[newworld]

Isn't some second hand Sugden within your budget?

I think so, but the D2's were voiced with tubes, and I've been wanting tubes all my life, so it would have to be tubes.

 

[Art K.]

I think so, but the D2's were voiced with tubes, and I've been wanting tubes all my life, so it would have to be tubes.

Weren't they voiced with KT88's? Not that that matters as much as the circuit, just curious.

 

[slippers-on]

If you don't mind, what your budget?

 

[newworld]

Weren't they voiced with KT88's? Not that that matters as much as the circuit, just curious.

I don't know...I wouldn't surprised though.

 

[newworld]

If you don't mind, what your budget?

My budget is under $2000, but as always, the cheaper the better.

 

[davidro]

i understand the tube fetish yes...

 

[davidro]

My budget is under $2000, but as always, the cheaper the better.

Cayin sounds like an obvious answer then.

 

[Art K.]

I still say that the LM with 216ia with the KT88's would likely be ideal. Great power supply, well designed circuit and a nice tube complement.

 

[Art K.]

Cayin sounds like an obvious answer then.

A lot of folks like those amps as well.

 

[newworld]

I will check them out, but it doesn't have to be KT88, right? I don't know much about tubes, but el34 seems cheaper...

 

[davidro]

The very generalised rule of thumb is that KT88 does a better job with large orchestral whilst EL34 would be more 'musical'.

 

[newworld]

Ahhh....I feel like I've opened up a new can of worms for myself this time...

 

[davidro]

I still say that the LM with 216ia with the KT88's would likely be ideal. Great power supply, well designed circuit and a nice tube complement.

So they're about U$1,400 shipped from China. What's the dealer price there?
Based on the reputation of LM, I'd go with this option (for $1,400) if it were me as well.

 

[davidro]

Double post soz

 

[Art K.]

So they're about U$1,400 shipped from China. What's the dealer price there?
Based on the reputation of LM, I'd go with this option (for $1,400) if it were me as well.

Dealer price is $1850 here. Worth every penny to me but everyone hears differently and everyone has different priorities with sound.