AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Omega Speaker Systems => Topic started by: sugbob21 on 10 Jan 2011, 02:48 pm
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owner of super 6 alnico monitors and deephemp sub. May be forced to switch to solid state from tube integrated (dont ask : WAF). looking at Luxman L505u, Creek Destiny, LFD Mk iv. but not sure how they would mate with the speakers.
Can anyone suggest or recomend an amp that sounds good? $3000 max(give or take )
thanks
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Slightly out of budget but something that I know sounds good with Omega Speakers is the Pass XA-30.5
While it didn't make me think I was listening to my tube amps (Atma-Sphere), it is one of the handful of ss amps I really liked.
I would also look at some of the First Watt amps.
George
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I was assuming the OP wanted an integrated amp judging from the list of candidates he posted. Super 6 AlNiCo shouldn't need much power, right?
Edit: That would be Pass Int 30A but I doubt it has hit the used market yet and it may take a few years before it gets down to $3k.
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I was assuming the OP wanted an integrated amp judging from the list of candidates he posted. Super 6 AlNiCo shouldn't need much power, right?
Didn't catch that Rim - thanks.
Not a lot of experience with integrated amps.
You are correct that the speakers wouldn't need much power.
George
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A killer little int. amp that sounds wonderful with Omega's (based on personal experience) is the Rega Brio 3. It retails for around $700, and it is a match made in heaven with Omegas.
You can carry it one step further, and trick it out with a Furtech IEC and upgraded binding posts and IC's (I use WBT's).
It does not have a remote, but there are ways around that.
It was Louis who originally turned me on the synergy between the two.
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i like that Rega rec. read up on the Mira and it has a preamp out to connect my sub. assume its also a good match as the Brio
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I don't have any experience with Omega speakers, but I do have the LFD Zero Mk III and can tell you it's a fabulous amp. I use it with Harbeth Compact 7ES3s. It's easily the best sounding amp I've had in my system - comparable even to the Modwright KWA100SE when I auditioned it, although the Modwright was running through a W4S STI-500 Integrated's preamp stage, so it may have been hamstrung a bit. Still, I'm willing to bet the LFD isn't far behind the Modwright, even in a setting optimized for the Modwright. The differences at this level of performance are getting pretty small.
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I would think about the McCormack DNA-500 or DNA-225. I have the DNA-125 and I really think it's a sweet sounding ss amp. I have not had that many different amps as some here, but had Marantz and Odyssey gear, some tube stuff but still like the neutral sound of the McCormack. Here is a link to a used DNA-500. (You would have to look at the one that would match your speakers well.)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1297194271&/Mccormack-DNA-500-Reference-st
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owner of super 6 alnico monitors and deephemp sub. May be forced to switch to solid state from tube integrated (dont ask : WAF). looking at Luxman L505u, Creek Destiny, LFD Mk iv. but not sure how they would mate with the speakers.
Can anyone suggest or recomend an amp that sounds good? $3000 max(give or take )
thanks
Another suggestion based on personal experience is wire your sub directly to your main speakers, and not through the amp.
It would require another pair of speaker cables (with bananas on the speaker end) but once again in my opinion, there is a significant improvement in sound this way.
As always, the ability to talk to the man himself, is one of the great benefits (beside he sound of course) of owning Omega Speakers.
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Look into the Red Wine Audio amps and pre amp. When I first auditioned Omega, Louis was using Vinnies 2nd generation amp. Sounded so good that I ordered a pair of Compact Hemps. There is a lot of info over on the Red Wine forum.
Good Luck,
Chris
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I have the Dayens Ampino driving my Hornshoppe Model 1's and the sound is fantastic. This little amp has more than enough power for efficient speakers and is as good as what is written about it.
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If you want to save a little money, the Parasound Halo A21 is a giant killer at about $2200.
http://parasound.com/halo/a21.php
Tons of clean neutral sounding power, true balanced xlr's. It's very dynamic and fast. I have one driving my Magnepan 1.6's. I've compared it to some more expensive amps like Bryston, Luxman and Classe and it holds its own.
You can pick one up from audioadvisor with a 30 day money back guarantee if you don't like it.
Sorry, I just realized that you are probably looking for an integrated amp. You may still want to consider the Parasound and buy a preamp to go with it on a $3K budget.
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I have the Dayens Ampino driving my Hornshoppe Model 1's and the sound is fantastic. This little amp as more than enough power for efficient speakers and is as good as what is written about it.
+1 on the Ampino. I am driving Omega Aperiodic 8's (now discontinued) and the sound is lovely. I'm still trying to get my head around how good this sounds for the money. It gets a ton "right" and very, very little "wrong". Personally, I think it is an ideal match for the Omegas. FWIW, I tend to find fault with many SS amps (I believe I am a tube guy at heart), but not this one. It may in fact be better than the hype surrounding it, if possible. Maybe a tad light in the bass, but that may be implementation-specific. Other than that, I cannot complain....at all. Makes me wonder if the higher models of Dayens integrateds are better than this, or if this is truly the sweet spot of the line (has been debated by other folks, but I don't recall that there was any clear consensus on this point).
Unless you WANT to spend more money on an amp, you don't have to. Spending more money may get a more "accurate" amp (maybe), but most will be less "musical". Anyway, that's my take on why most SS ultimately leave me cold -- I can "hear them working" and I find that distracting. Only drawbacks of the Ampino I can see are convenience factors: only two inputs and no remote. However, I am so smitten with this that I don't care. Your mileage may differ.
-dB
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+2 on the Ampino. Don't under estimate this little wonder on account of it's price. If you feel compelled to spend more, Dayens makes more expensive amps. To get an idea of what these amps are like read...
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=84799.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=84799.0)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70917 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70917)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86805.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86805.0)
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+2 on the Ampino. Don't under estimate this little wonder on account of it's price. If you feel compelled to spend more, Dayens makes more expensive amps. To get an idea of what these amps are like read...
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=84799.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=84799.0)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70917 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70917)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86805.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86805.0)
+3 on the Ampino. I use one with my Hoyt-Bedfords. Mine has the caps upgrade. As others have said, I don't see why you should assume you have to spend $3 000. The Ampino is everything the reviews say it is - a real giant-killer. In particular, its speed and treble extension are astonishing.
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who sells this Dayens Amp . sounds interesting but dont know how to go about getting one.
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Try... http://www.arteformaaudio.com/ (http://www.arteformaaudio.com/)
or... http://www.cryo-parts.com/index.php/dayens/dayens-ampino (http://www.cryo-parts.com/index.php/dayens/dayens-ampino)
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I am using a Bedini 25/25 (pure class A) with a Quicksilver linestage for my Omega 8's and the musical result continues to astonish me. If you want to stick with a SS integrated, the Luxman that is class A at 20 watts per side is a superb integrated with an excellent phono section and could likely be had used at the upper limit of your price limit. There are of course many other great options, some of which have already been mentioned by other respondents. For the amps that I have tried with my Omegas thus far, it has been clear to me that class A is the way to go. YMMV. Good luck!
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For the amps that I have tried with my Omegas thus far, it has been clear to me that class A is the way to go. YMMV.
I bet your Bedini 25/25 is a sweet little amp. I remember when I was really young how badly I wanted one but couldn't afford it. Having said that I have heard some less than stellar Class A amps.
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Hi, I don't know if you have found an amp that suit your need yet, But I own a pair of Omega Super 5 XRS since last fall. I use to drive my sources with a Bewitch 6550, but when I paired this amp with the Omegas, it immediately revealed it's weaknesses, so the need to chenge the amp. I bought a Audio Zone Amp STi (50 watts) and the result is absolutely amazing. Not tubes, not resistors, but chips. Great sound, dead quiet, perfect match (as far as I'm concerned). Audio Zone do not advertise this amp anymore on their site, but you can always email them. One level above is the Amp 1 selling for 1995$. All canadian amps. Check this out:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiozone2/zone.html
http://www.audio-zone.ca/
Pierre.
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Hi alecdraxx
Great recomendation I had one myself. Really liked the sound. I would add to list the amp one sti or the integrated version. Build quality is amazing too. George is a great guy to work with.
Thanks again,
Louis
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The first watt f4 is really amazing sounding. Best soundstage I've heard from a ss amp. Depends on your pre if this amp is suitable.
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Another vote for a FirstWatt amp (if you want to go with a separate amp and pre). With your Omegas, I'd look at the F2 or F2J. They have a fuller sound than the F1. These are also current source amps which gives you the wiggle room to adjust the sound of the bass and treble (see the 6moons reviews of the F1 and F2 for details). Note that since they are Class A, the FirstWatts will run hot.
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Another vote for a FirstWatt amp (if you want to go with a separate amp and pre). With your Omegas, I'd look at the F2 or F2J. They have a fuller sound than the F1. These are also current source amps which gives you the wiggle room to adjust the sound of the bass and treble (see the 6moons reviews of the F1 and F2 for details). Note that since they are Class A, the FirstWatts will run hot.
I have been lent a FirstWatt F 'clone' to evaluate on my HB Type 1s. My impression so far is that, while tonally it is very correct, it is too polite and laid back for my taste. It doesn't seem to have have the leading edge attack or nimbleness of the Ampino and is also possibly a little hazy or muzzy in comparison. Another problem, as noted above, is its gain - 'only' 15dB. Both my preamps have 6dB gain, which isn't enough to get things going, it seems.
Am I missing something?
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Which F clone is it? There are some differences in the line with regard to the degree of warmth, speed, attack, etc. For the qualities you are looking for, I would recommend the F1 or the F4 in the First Watt line. Though note that they both have some pretty unique requirements.
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Which F clone is it? There are some differences in the line with regard to the degree of warmth, speed, attack, etc. For the qualities you are looking for, I would recommend the F1 or the F4 in the First Watt line. Though note that they both have some pretty unique requirements.
Sorry, I meant to say it's an F5 clone.
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Nice thread about the First Watt amps. Don't know too much about them, but I do know the Aleph. This is a great amp.
I also use a BlueNote S1 with my Hoyt T1's
Thanks,
Louis
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I have same speakers, including Deep Hemp sub. Thanks to Louis, I think mine were the first pair he built 8)
I've owned the following amp as both an integrated, then as an amp, and now it's configured again as in integrated (you can order it either way). Compact, unassuming looks, it contains a vacuum tube-stage, but you can't see the tube. The tube runs at a low level, so life should be many years. It's in your price range. Remote on the integrated (that I could now never live without :duh: ). Like Omega, built by hand in America. Links to product page and user comments here on AudioCircle...
http://www.redwineaudio.com/products/signature_302
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=84680.0
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Hi Alwayswantmore,
Thanks and I really like the RWA. I have 2 here. They sound fantastic with the speakers. I don't habe the latest version though.
Thanks,
Louis
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Hi Alwayswantmore,
Thanks and I really like the RWA. I have 2 here. They sound fantastic with the speakers. I don't habe the latest version though.
Thanks,
Louis
Hi Louis, long time no talk. The new versions are pretty amazing. Everything is better. Similar, in a way, to your move to Alnico. Hope you are well and doing OK with all the snow. Kent
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Hi Kent,
Right on. Need to talk very soon.
The new line is really digging my 30.2
Doing very well and hope the same for you.
Thanks,
Louis
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I would suggest a good class A amp like Forte or Classe. Some Val Alstine come to mind, or Peachtree. Depends on the depth of your wallet really. Too bad about the tubes though...
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If WAF is the main reason you need to buy a S/S amp, just get a Leben CS300XS and stay with tubes.
The Leben will receive an excellent WAF for sure!!! :thumb:
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Look into an ATC SIA2-150 integrated :thumb:. I love this amp great tonal quality, no frills, just great sound for under 4k. Do a search and read all about it.
Chris
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I'm really getting great feedback right now with Vinnie's new amp. The price is very good too. Haven't listened to it yet, but hopefully soon.
Thanks,
Louis
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Hi all,
Nice thread. Good rec's from lot's o' Omegaheads.
In just the past few days, I have once again become an owner of a McCormack amp. This one is a DNA-1R1 which is an upgrade done--not by SMc--but by McCormack of Virginia. It is said to be "similar" to a DNA-225, but that is probably subject to debate. I will say this; I was not expecting it to sound so good with my Super Al's, but as long as I don't get crazy with the VC, it does sound great. I used to own a DNA.05 RevA and it would have certainly made the Super's sing. The 1 is overkill, but I wanted it so I would be able to audition less sensitive speakers, not to drive the Omega's. I haven't heard Vinnie's new amps (Vinnie, I'm climbing back in the writing saddle--give me a shot!), but I am planning to build a First Watt F4 clone to run with my 845 amp. I'm betting it will sound fantastic.
I need to warm the iron...
Cheers to all,
Gary
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Stay with tubes and go for the Leben. It looks like a solid state amp. Ask Louis, he will say the same thing, as the Leben is an amp that has synergy with Omega speakers.
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ok back with tubes. just picked up a Prima Luna Prologue ll . with a phono preamp ( which is a great sounding preamp by the way). initial impression : sounds great. Does it make a difference if i use 4 or 8 ohm taps? dont hear much of a difference. Should I ?
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Omega Speakers are all 8 ohm I think, so go with the 8 ohm tap if there is no audible difference.
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The Class D Audio SDS-224 or SDS-254 would do a great job. Also, I'd recommend you hear a gainclone LM3886 chip amp. Should sound great with the Omega's. The new Red Wine tube amp Signature 15 would likely be another good choice. All of Vinnie's amps sound great with Omega's.
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I thought the WAF was a major thing. I believe the Leben is the best choice. It will answer the WAF situation and it will likely give you a tube amp that is at a higher level than the Chinese made Prima Luna. Your speakers will run well on 5 w/ch and the Leben is 12 w/ch. If you are going back to an open style tube amp, there are so many good choices like the new Decware 34I.3 or the Torii MK III (read the Tone Audio review). The Canadian made Ideal Innovations Elite 80 20w/ch PP is a real match for Omegas and can be ordered in various configurations, including a solid wood full surround base. If you are not committed to the Prima Luna, I would explore these other options.
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Another vote for a FirstWatt amp (if you want to go with a separate amp and pre). With your Omegas, I'd look at the F2 or F2J. They have a fuller sound than the F1. These are also current source amps which gives you the wiggle room to adjust the sound of the bass and treble (see the 6moons reviews of the F1 and F2 for details). Note that since they are Class A, the FirstWatts will run hot.
Another vote for a First Watt amp. I'm currently putting a M2 through its paces, and let state that this may be the most enjoyable amp I've ever heard. The nice features about the M2:
1) Increases power to 40 wpc at 4 ohms
2) No feedback whatsoever
3) Uses a passive transformer gain stage
It's got all the virtues of tubes, but no drawbacks, and it's quiet (compared to tubes, that is).
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H Canada Rob and all. WAF is a major factor. But there r other factors also. Was forced to sell off a bunch of equipment having to liquidate one system for financial reasons. only thing left are my Harbeth P3s which i am reluctant to sell. This leaves me with the Omegas and the Harbeths. Prima Luna at 40 watts can handle both speakers. Decware amps r great value but cant handle Harbeths . dont know much about Ideal Innovations elite. at some point financially i cant keep both, will need to sell one pair of speakers. Has been a tough decision. meantime i can switch back and forth and enjoy both.
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additionally, rock or more complex music sound better on the Omegas while jazz and acoustic AOR sounds better on Harbeth. Omegas get too loud real quick , dont need to go past 9 oclock on the volume knob while Harbeth can adjust volume more gradually. Guess the Omegas dont need 40 watts. N ot in too much of a rush to sell one of these but switching back and forth is starting to be a pain . No room to keep both set up and wife thinks i am nuts. :slap:What to do....
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Volume is a function of the speaker's sensitivity and the gain & input sensitivity of the amp, not wattage (though certainly that needs to be taken into account for other reasons related to clipping and distortion).
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I running a Virtue M451 with my Omega Super 5's ans the Deep Hemp Cube and it sounds crazy good. Had a friend today call me about the "fancy setup" he heard when at my house last. He was blown away when I gave him the specs and the price. I love the Virtue amps + Omega.
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I have an ATI AT1202 and an ATI ATP6700 audio processor driving my Omega Sticks....it's playing now and sounds absolutely great. I highly recommend this brand of amp and processor. I've been using this combination for over 3 years and I'm still thrilled with the sound. Very dynamic sound and this amp never runs out of steam. Also, they are made in Los Angeles, CA if you are interested in an American made amp and/or processor.
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Dayen Ampino. 25X2 at 8ohms. Have heard nothing but GREAT things about this amp.
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Wow, old thread comes to life again. I have same speakers / sub as OP. Now moved to Red Wine Audio Sig 15 from original Sig 30.2 with LFP-V upgrade. Sig 15 sounds better in almost every way. 1/2 the price. Does include an internal tube, but transparent to wife. Life is good 8)
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Yes, I'll bring this thread back from the dead!
I saw someone mention they liked SS amps with the new Outlaw speakers, and thought it would be best to add my recommendation to this thread instead of commenting on the Outlaw thread. I have two recommendations: Dayens Ecstasy IIb integrated amplifier, and the Jolida JD1701BRC Hybrid integrated amp. Yep...both are discontinued! :( The Dayens was purchased as a demo directly from the USA distributor, and changed my view of SS amplification. I discovered it while searching for a higher powered amp for Hornshoppe speakers, and noticed a number of single driver speaker users were smitten with the smaller Dayens Ampino.
The Jolida was a local purchase from someone who purchased it new from Music Direct 6 months earlier. It sounds incredibly beautiful, 3D, open, and full of tone with the Omega Super 3S. When combined with the Jolida JD100 CD player ( another long-term product recently discontinued) it's among the budget kingpins. Too bad modern Jolida products are considered low on the totem pole...their sound to cost ratio is off the charts with good speakers!
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Nice to see the sleeping beauty awoken.
I have found over the years playing lots of different Omega and the HB speakers, that one thing shines through as far as amps I paired them with whether Tube or SS, and that is low damping factor. Gain clones, SETs, and SEPs fall into this category, but some PPs work well too. If my AudioEngine N22 makes my Alnico Monitors sound good, then the likes of the 47 Lab Shigaraki or Gaincard, Audio Zone Amp STi or Amp One, or one of Clones Audio's amps would likely sound amazing. Also look at Moot's journey here on the AudioCircle with his Alnico Monitors and Bottlehead Stereomour. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=121461.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=121461.0)
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I have the Dennis Had SEP which is a great match with my Omegas. I also have a conrad-johnson Premier 11A - 70wpc push pull that isn't such a good match.
If I were to try solid state again, my current interest would be a First Watt SIT-2 (10 wpc, single ended/class A, no neg feedback). Have to wait until Reno puts a demo up for sale or I find a used one. Not up for $5000 to try one!
..........Peter
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Interesting that the CJ doesn't sound well with the Omegas. What are the weaknesses with the CJ/Omega combination?
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Interesting that the CJ doesn't sound well with the Omegas. What are the weaknesses with the CJ/Omega combination?
It's been a while since I tried the combo and don't feel I can retrieve the details of my impression. I will try it again at some point soon and will re-post.
I have a pair of restored AR2ax' that are an excellent match with the 11A though. I do think the 11A is a superp amp.
.........Peter
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Hey Now,
I just got a pair of Super 3Ss and have tried several amps with them, Dynaco ST-70, Maggie console pull w/ 6K6 tubes, and Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro mono-blocks with balanced inputs. I like the SM-70 the best, nice detailed smooth highs, enough low end grunt, zero feedback and pure Class A. It sounds good. I like it.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
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What about the TBI Millenia MG3 Mk II? Haven't tried it personally but think it would be a great match with Omegas.
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Yeah, the TBI was pretty good, but I might look into the TI3116 amps that are popular right now too, more like $50 instead of $500 and probably pretty close...
None of the D amps will beat a good SET (yet) though.
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I've played some TPA 3116 and 3110 amps on the Omegas. I'd say it was an okay, not a great match. The TPA's did seem to shine better on some lower efficiency speakers I tried them with. I wonder if the damping factor on them was holding them back on the Omegas. So far my favorite solid state amps on the Omegas have been a Brio R and a Musical Fidelity M3i. That said, none of the above approach what I get with my little SET amp.
I do have that Audiogengine amp that I use on a TV setup in my bedroom. On low efficiency speakers, the TPA's outclassed the Audioengine easily. I haven't thrown the Audioengine in with any Omegas yet. Maybe I'll try it.
I'm hoping to get my hands on a First Watt sometime in the next few months. I'm thinking a F3 might be a good one to consider. That's a combo I'd really like to hear with the Omegas.
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My opinion the Hugh Dean
NAKSA 125
NAKSA 200
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Any type of OpChip based amp, a la 47 Labs or even a knock off will sound quick with simple single drive full range speakers. Some of the ones I have tried, the Scott Nixon Monos, also the Audiosector PATEK....SEs. It will block the socks off of any single full range driver speakers.
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Another possible solution. the 25i.
http://www.clonesaudio.com/#!product/prd1/327205861/25i
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The Class D Audio SDS-224 or SDS-254 would do a great job. Also, I'd recommend you hear a gainclone LM3886 chip amp. Should sound great with the Omega's. The new Red Wine tube amp Signature 15 would likely be another good choice. All of Vinnie's amps sound great with Omega's.
I had a Class D Audio 254 that sounded great with my Omegas. Then I got a First Watt J2 which was significantly better. A very synergistic coupling!
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I was musing about the sweet new McIntosh headphone amp (which is also a 50 Watts of integrated) for one or the other of the Super Alnicos (or maybe the Paramount); although for the present, once I get some Omegas, I will stick with my old Copland hybrid 60Watt integrated until I find the right thing. I want something with a good headphone jack, however, as my "listening room" might interfere with others in the late hours.
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I was musing about the sweet new McIntosh headphone amp (which is also a 50 Watts of integrated) for one or the other of the Super Alnicos (or maybe the Paramount); although for the present, once I get some Omegas, I will stick with my old Copland hybrid 60Watt integrated until I find the right thing. I want something with a good headphone jack, however, as my "listening room" might interfere with others in the late hours.
I'm a McIntosh fan too and I think that would be a great amp to drive a set of Omegas. Also consider a vintage Mac piece such as the MAC 5100 Integrated (http://www.ebay.com/itm/MCINTOSH-MA-5100-PRE-AMPLIFIER-IN-NEAR-MINT-CONDITION-/271614636826?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item3f3d7e731a) which you can get off eBay for $300 - $700 depending on condition. These are revered as very musical integrated amps in the Mac circles.
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hi all,
its been a while since i have been on. I had started this thread 3+ years ago and have been through numerous amps along the way. Just a quick list: RWA 30.2,Prima Luna Prologue, Virtue sensation< Decware Mini Torii, TBI Millenia and Rega . Some sounded better than others (Decware and Virtue if i could pick a tube and solid state). Currently i have returned to a Decware SE84CKC and Virtue one.3 with battery power. . the Omegas have outlasted even a pair of Harbeth PSe3 s along the way. Now i just occasionally switch back and forth between the 2 . Virtue has tighter base but Decware has that tube sweetness in the trble that the Virue seems to turn a bit harsh . I,m happy with both.
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hi all,
its been a while since i have been on. I had started this thread 3+ years ago and have been through numerous amps along the way. Just a quick list: RWA 30.2,Prima Luna Prologue, Virtue sensation< Decware Mini Torii, TBI Millenia and Rega . Some sounded better than others (Decware and Virtue if i could pick a tube and solid state). Currently i have returned to a Decware SE84CKC and Virtue one.3 with battery power. . the Omegas have outlasted even a pair of Harbeth PSe3 s along the way. Now i just occasionally switch back and forth between the 2 . Virtue has tighter base but Decware has that tube sweetness in the trble that the Virue seems to turn a bit harsh . I,m happy with both.
You're not the first person I've read making the statement about choosing Omega over Harbeth ... since the Harbeths are fairly revered by audiophiles IMO that's saying a lot about Louis' designs. Can you give us a brief description of the differences and why you chose the Omegas over them?
Thanks and sounds like your journey has been a lot of fun!
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hi all,
its been a while since i have been on. I had started this thread 3+ years ago and have been through numerous amps along the way. Just a quick list: RWA 30.2,Prima Luna Prologue, Virtue sensation< Decware Mini Torii, TBI Millenia and Rega . Some sounded better than others (Decware and Virtue if i could pick a tube and solid state). Currently i have returned to a Decware SE84CKC and Virtue one.3 with battery power. . the Omegas have outlasted even a pair of Harbeth PSe3 s along the way. Now i just occasionally switch back and forth between the 2 . Virtue has tighter base but Decware has that tube sweetness in the trble that the Virue seems to turn a bit harsh . I,m happy with both.
sugbob21:
Did you ever try a subwoofer with the Omegas? If so, what was your reaction to adding the subwoofer(s)?
I have a new set of Hoyt Bedford speakers that I am going to put in my system and I think I will try one and then two REL subwoofers with them to see what happens... I have had good luck with the REL subwoofers with my Nola Boxers driven by a Rogue Sphinx.
Mike
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sugbob21:
Did you ever try a subwoofer with the Omegas? If so, what was your reaction to adding the subwoofer(s)?
I have a new set of Hoyt Bedford speakers that I am going to put in my system and I think I will try one and then two REL subwoofers with them to see what happens... I have had good luck with the REL subwoofers with my Nola Boxers driven by a Rogue Sphinx.
Mike
I added a SVS SB2000 to my pair of Omega Super 6 Alnicos and have been exceedingly pleased. Based on my research I chose the sealed box version as it is supposedly "faster" which is important for those of us who have music only systems and enjoy the Omega's very responsive and sensitive drivers. The sub integrates well. I do have the provided nerf ball blocking/dampening the bottom firing port on the Omegas to relieve them of some heavy lifting. It improved their resolution and dynamics.
I may still add a second SB2000 but for now I am very pleased.
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Yes ..i actually have one of Louis's subwoofers.
Tha Alnicos are able to play louder and are more dynamic than the Harbeths were. i occasionally enjoy some 70s prog rock etc along with jazz and acoustic music. The harbeths exclelled at jazz, female vocals at moderate levels but werent able to play very loud or had much bass (but what mid bass they had was well defined). The omegas to me imaged better and were just more fun to listen too . I got to hate sitting ther and analyzing everything i heard. i just wanted to enjoy music , sometimes at loud levels. The omegas were just better. The Harbeths werent able to be used with all the amps..Just prima Luna , Rega and TBI . Decware forget...only a few watts. I listen about 7 feet away from the Omegas and they are about 5.5 feet apart with slight toe in ..BTW. Hope that describes my review of differences.
Bob
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Yes ..i actually have one of Louis's subwoofers.
Tha Alnicos are able to play louder and are more dynamic than the Harbeths were. i occasionally enjoy some 70s prog rock etc along with jazz and acoustic music. The harbeths exclelled at jazz, female vocals at moderate levels but werent able to play very loud or had much bass (but what mid bass they had was well defined). The omegas to me imaged better and were just more fun to listen too . I got to hate sitting ther and analyzing everything i heard. i just wanted to enjoy music , sometimes at loud levels. The omegas were just better. The Harbeths werent able to be used with all the amps..Just prima Luna , Rega and TBI . Decware forget...only a few watts. I listen about 7 feet away from the Omegas and they are about 5.5 feet apart with slight toe in ..BTW. Hope that describes my review of differences.
Bob
Thanks for your insights Bob, much appreciated!
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Interesting that this thread on recommendations for solid state amplification for Omegas moved into a discussion of Omega versus Harbeths. The Harbeth 30.1 is just about my favorite speaker that I have actually had the pleasure of auditioning at any length. If Omegas weren't around, I would probably have settled on the 30.1 but something has moved me toward the Omegas, even though I have never heard them as yet. I am in no great hurray, and I am planning to put together my long term system. I would have to say that the Harbeth 30.1 is a champ at large sonic presentation and it has good midrange and bass. It can play the immense Saint-Saens Third Symphony with the awesome organ sections with no trouble. It is great with classical and jazz which is where I live. When I think about the Harbeths I am reminded of the description of the sound of a Mullard tube-- it's a little dark; a little sweet, and very clear. Harbeth is in the running for me, too bad I have yet to be able to sample the Super Alnico Omegas at a relatively close price point.
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Gents:
When I actually set up the Hoyt-Benfords (Type 1), I will be trying several integrated amps with them including a Creek 5350 SE and an Outlaw RR2150 for solid state amps along with an Antique Sound Labs AQ 1005 DT (300 B SET) and an Audio Space Galaxy 34 (EL 34). I have a pair of REL T3 subwoofers (8" active and 8" passive speakers) and a pair of T2 subwoofers (8" active and a 10" passive). I had forgotten the port plug which adds another variable to the equation (thanks, doggie). Should be fun. It is going to be a couple of months before I can run the series of pairings but I promise I'll come back and provide some reactions.
Just as an aside, the best integration I have been able to attain with subwoofers is to 1) cut them off with a very small overlap with the main speaker woofer and then 2) have them turned down so far that you really don't hear them on a regular basis (so they aren't obvious). Then they tend not to interfere with the main speakers yet are there when there is a need.
Another aside is that I have WAF issues and am constrained to a bookshelf speaker in this room so I fudged that constraint a bit with the Hoyt-Benford instead of one of the Omegas (I was thinking of the 3U). This was done in consultation with Louis.
Mike
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Hello mnilan,
Not sure whether you own the amps you mentioned, but from personal experience the Ideal Innovations Elite 80 PP would be a superb match. I had it set up with HB 1.5 towers. It is a very quick, clear, detailed, lively, punchy sounding amp. Not "vintage " sounding at all, and yet it ships with NOS output tubes.
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Interesting that this thread on recommendations for solid state amplification for Omegas moved into a discussion of Omega versus Harbeths. The Harbeth 30.1 is just about my favorite speaker that I have actually had the pleasure of auditioning at any length. If Omegas weren't around, I would probably have settled on the 30.1 but something has moved me toward the Omegas, even though I have never heard them as yet. I am in no great hurray, and I am planning to put together my long term system. I would have to say that the Harbeth 30.1 is a champ at large sonic presentation and it has good midrange and bass. It can play the immense Saint-Saens Third Symphony with the awesome organ sections with no trouble. It is great with classical and jazz which is where I live. When I think about the Harbeths I am reminded of the description of the sound of a Mullard tube-- it's a little dark; a little sweet, and very clear. Harbeth is in the running for me, too bad I have yet to be able to sample the Super Alnico Omegas at a relatively close price point.
This makes 2 people that I know that have lived with both Harbeth and Omega for a while and chose the Omega's. So in consideration I think the Omega's should definitely be on your short list. The other positives are the fact that the Omega's can be driven with only 2 watts, point source coherency and no tone coloring and/or complex crossovers. If you do get to compare them I hope that you report back with your findings and let us know how they did. :thumb:
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Ideal Innovations Elite 80 PP
@ 600 bucks, cant fail too hard!!!
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Hello mnilan,
Not sure whether you own the amps you mentioned, but from personal experience the Ideal Innovations Elite 80 PP would be a superb match. I had it set up with HB 1.5 towers. It is a very quick, clear, detailed, lively, punchy sounding amp. Not "vintage " sounding at all, and yet it ships with NOS output tubes.
Rob:
Yes, I own all the integrated amps already but thanks for the recommendation.
Mike
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Ideal Innovations Elite 80 PP
@ 600 bucks, cant fail too hard!!!
$600? Is that some sort of special price not on the web site? It is listed at $1199
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I don't know where $600 came from, maybe an old review, but the current price for the Elite 80 is $1199 which is a steal IMO.
http://www.idealinnovations.biz/elite-models.htm (http://www.idealinnovations.biz/elite-models.htm)
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@ Canada Rob - I don't mean to derail, but have you heard the Ideal Innovations Elite40SE SET amp and what are your impressions? This is a great price and good amount of power for an SET.
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I don't know where $600 came from, maybe an old review, but the current price for the Elite 80 is $1199 which is a steal IMO.
http://www.idealinnovations.biz/elite-models.htm (http://www.idealinnovations.biz/elite-models.htm)
My bad
I saw that on an old review.
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This makes 2 people that I know that have lived with both Harbeth and Omega for a while and chose the Omega's. So in consideration I think the Omega's should definitely be on your short list. The other positives are the fact that the Omega's can be driven with only 2 watts, point source coherency and no tone coloring and/or complex crossovers. If you do get to compare them I hope that you report back with your findings and let us know how they did. :thumb:
I will definitely report back when I get to hear the Omegas; if I get to hear the Omegas. I think it is further interesting that apparently most people on this forum have purchased the Omegas with little or no experience of hearing them. Can that be true? I was at the NY Audio Show today and it dawned on me that hearing what you are going to buy is important. Would you buy a car you never drove? Would you buy a house you've never walked in? An audio speaker to a music lover is pretty important, and one should hear it to fall in love with it. It there's no love theres nothing.
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I will definitely report back when I get to hear the Omegas; if I get to hear the Omegas. I think it is further interesting that apparently most people on this forum have purchased the Omegas with little or no experience of hearing them. Can that be true? I was at the NY Audio Show today and it dawned on me that hearing what you are going to buy is important. Would you buy a car you never drove? Would you buy a house you've never walked in? An audio speaker to a music lover is pretty important, and one should hear it to fall in love with it. It there's no love theres nothing.
One of the trade-offs of direct marketed products.... The upside? They cost about half of what they would if you could go to your local B&M store and try them out. And stereo shops are few and far between these days, most have gone out of business.
One strategy could be find a used pair and re-sell for little to no loss if you're not happy, or sell them and buy the exact model you want. If you buy low you could end up making money too.
Or just jump on a plane to Colorado and check out RMAF, then stop by my place to hear my Omegas.... :thumb:
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@ Canada Rob - I don't mean to derail, but have you heard the Ideal Innovations Elite40SE SET amp and what are your impressions? This is a great price and good amount of power for an SET.
Hi beowulf,
I have heard both the Elite 80 and 40SE, and even though they look identical, they are totally different in almost every way. The Elite 80 is of course a push pull, and the 40SE is a parallel SET using the same 6AV5 tubes, but in triode mode. The Elite 40SE has the typical SET sound - smooth and liquid, whereas the Elite 80 is cooler sounding, but with more punch and dynamics - closer to solid state. Both are made in Canada with Canadian iron and Syd Beaumont is as good a proprietor as I have ever dealt with. Either the Elite 80 or 40SE will work with any Omega or Hoyt-Bedford.
One reason the pricing is so low is, like Cyrus, he is getting a lot of mileage out of the same (custom made, not off the shelf) chassis, being used on a number of models.
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Thanks CR! I eventually want to get a SET amp as I'm using a SEP right now. I also want just a few more watts than the Decware Super Zen. Steve D is coming out with a new S.E.T. this winter sometime that should be around 15 watts and it's possible it will be an OTL (although not for sure). I do know it's going to use the 6C33C tube (the same tube used as guidance systems in MiGs and Nuclear Intercontinental ballistic missiles) ... so this should be very interesting if one is a Decware fan!
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Thanks CR! I eventually want to get a SET amp as I'm using a SEP right now. I also want just a few more watts than the Decware Super Zen. Steve D is coming out with a new S.E.T. this winter sometime that should be around 15 watts and it's possible it will be an OTL (although not for sure). I do know it's going to use the 6C33C tube (the same tube used as guidance systems in MiGs and Nuclear Intercontinental ballistic missiles) ... so this should be very interesting if one is a Decware fan!
Hi beowulf.
How about the SE34I.4 SET ?
It got more power than the SE84
or enough power for lower efficient speakers.
If I had the $$$ I would go with the SE34I.4,
that would be enough for my Omega 7F.
No pentode and push-pull for me.
Guy 13
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The Rachel, was one of the amps I was seriously looking into and almost purchased at least 2 times. However most people seem to love the Super Zen CKC better and didn't think it seemed any louder than the 2 watt'er, that and most people think it outperforms everything except the ZMA and Torii Monos (as far as soundwise). That's saying something for an amp that cost under 1K. I like the Super Zen, but I would be a little happier with a tad more headroom so the new S.E.T. from Decware is something I will anxiously awaiting to hear how it sounds and it looks as if an early iteration of it will be previewed at Decfest this year, so I can't wait to hear the feedback on this thing.
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The Rachel, was one of the amps I was seriously looking into and almost purchased at least 2 times. However most people seem to love the Super Zen CKC better and didn't think it seemed any louder than the 2 watt'er, that and most people think it outperforms everything except the ZMA and Torii Monos (as far as soundwise). That's saying something for an amp that cost under 1K. I like the Super Zen, but I would be a little happier with a tad more headroom so the new S.E.T. from Decware is something I will anxiously awaiting to hear how it sounds and it looks as if an early iteration of it will be previewed at Decfest this year, so I can't wait to hear the feedback on this thing.
Hi beowulf.
I like the marketing and product design philosophy of Decware.
No bullshit, simple and well built.
Hoooo.... Would I love to go the the Decfest to listen to all they have,
especially their speakers.
They have a webcam so you can see what's going on during the Decfest,
however, with the rothen Vietnamese internet connection,
it's very difficult to go something without interruption.
Even if I cannot afford anything right now, I still like to dream, after all,
dreaming is about the only thing free these days.
Guy 13
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I have a McIntosh solid state MC250 with a Quad QC24 preamp. The Quad is totally neutral and the combination is terrific.
They say the MC250 was designed to sound like a tube amp. Whatever the case, it is pleasant and does work with Reggae and Dub.
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I like the marketing and product design philosophy of Decware.
The TORII MK IV makes me freaking drool