[n2siast]

Is this enough wattage to power the HT-2s?  Just got the primaluna dialogue 3 preamp and I considering getting the amp.

[jsalk]

We have used tube amps in that power range at audio shows.  At moderate to moderate high volumes, they seem to work quite well.  The downside is that they do not provide tight control in the bass regions.  So you should not expect the same kind of tight bass you can get with a higher power solid state amp.  You might find the liquid midrange of a tube amp more than makes up for this.  It is a matter of personal taste.

I think you would get the best results using the combination of a tube preamp and a higher power solid state amp.  But that's just me.

- Jim

[Paul K.]

I want to add my 2 cents.  My power amp is a Quad 909 which is rated for 140 wpc/8ohm and 250 wpc/4 ohms.  This amp will provide the bass control quite nicely but it is known for its tube-like midrange and was a Best Product choice by The Absolute Sound and highly recommended.  This model is no longer in production and its replacement costs more but has the same power capabilities.   Used units can often be found on Audiogon for ~$900, maybe a bit less, and I heartily and enthusiastically give it my personal recommendation.
Paul

[ricardojoa]

Sorry to chime with a few questions.
Would it be a good idea to use DEQ HD express between tube preamp and amp (for management) so that there is a ability to high pass the fronts, hopefully that in turn wont need as much power for the front, and integrated with a sub for bass duties?

[coke]

I don't have experience with a pure tube amp on these speakers, but I'm using an AVA Ultra+ Double 550.  I thought this amp might have been overkill, but I have no regrets or complaints and love the extra power.

[jsalk]

Sorry to chime with a few questions.
Would it be a good idea to use DEQ HD express between tube preamp and amp (for management) so that there is a ability to high pass the fronts, hopefully that in turn wont need as much power for the front, and integrated with a sub for bass duties?

Seems like perhaps a bit of overkill to me.  With the proper measurement tools (less expense than DEQX HD Express), you should be able to configure a setup that works very well.

- Jim

[ricardojoa]

Seems like perhaps a bit of overkill to me.  With the proper measurement tools (less expense than DEQX HD Express), you should be able to configure a setup that works very well.

- Jim

Jim, you mean for example, using rew and some beringer?

[mark funk]

I have heard the HT2s with a 35 watt valve amp and the HT2s sounded really nice, I mean really good (2006 RMAF before HT2-TL and Ultravalve amp) that was with one of Frank's
at the time I think it was an Ultimate 70 but that would not work for me. Like Coke I though it was a little over kill too, my Fet Valve Ultra+ 550 at around 280 watts per side driving a 4 ohm load and with one of Frank's amps that should be a little over 500 watts per side for just a little head room.       



                                                                                       

 

[jsalk]

Jim, you mean for example, using rew and some beringer?

That is one approach.  Something like the Velodyne SMS1 is another.  And, depending on the capability of the amp driving the sub, it may be possible without using a processor of any kind (other than facilities on the plate amp).

- Jim

[oneinthepipe]

I use a 35 wpc AVA UltraValve to drive my HT2-TL.  They are crossed-over @ 80hz through an SMS-1 that drives (4) subs (thank you, thank you, thank you, Jeff B.)  The HT2-TL will play to a ridiculously-loud level, if I want.  Not the case before the subs, however, and to achieve loud, defined bass, I used my AVA 440, putting out 300+ wpc into the 4 ohm HT2-TL.  One of the  biggest improvements with the subs, playing music with loud, deep passages, is the improved clarity in the mid-range. 

Now, anyone want to buy my HT2-TL, a DCX, DEQ, Feedback Destroyer, a Behringer room calibration mic, cables, and XLR to RCA adapters soI can order a pair of SS8 and buy another SMS-1?   

I just moved into new digs. I have a huge room with 28' foot ceilings, in places.   A lot different than my first room, as Dennis, Zybar, and OgOgilby could attest to, which was 12' X 14', and for which there isn't enough OC703 in the world to control the bass, and even my second room, a huge improvement, that was 12' X 24' (with a mostly-open 16' deep room behind it).  Just moved into my new place yesterday.  The movers got tired and left, and I spent the entire night carrying car-loads of stuff between the two homes, then closed on the old house @ 2PM today and the new house @ 4PM today.  It will take a few days to organize, and I am racing this weekend, but I am already craving music.  When it's all set-up, I hope my NEAR colleagues will join me for music, billiards, food, drink, and camaraderie.  I am now in Watertown, MA, just a couple of miles from my old place.

Hope that I didn't get off topic.    

[DMurphy]

Congrats on the new digs.  I take it you'll be racing the Suburu?  The neighbors are still asking me what that was in my driveway.  Sorry--I don't really need any extra speakers right now.  But I'm sure somone would be very happy with your beautiful HT2TL's. 

[sfox7076]

Every time I see HT2Ls that may be for sale, I salivate.  I love my ST RTs, but I always imagine my 11' ceilings would love the added speaker... 

Shawn

[oneinthepipe]

Congrats on the new digs.  I take it you'll be racing the Suburu?  The neighbors are still asking me what that was in my driveway.  Sorry--I don't really need any extra speakers right now.  But I'm sure somone would be very happy with your beautiful HT2TL's.

Yes, racing the STi.  You can see the car here, without the matte Hot Rod Black bumpers:

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited Sedan

Primary use: sleeper; 911 eater

Modifications (click here)

Photos:

[EthanH]

I believe I heard oneinthepipe's HT2-TLs with the same 35 watt AVA tube amp that he is talking about, and agree that the sound is awesome - some of the best I've heard.  I actually very much preferred the tube amp to the higher-powered solid state setup.  With 4(!) subs I can only imagine the sound is now sublime.  Go for it, OP!

Glad to hear you're happy with the move, oneinthepipe.  I really miss new england - hoping to move back at some point.

[OgOgilby]

I just moved into new digs. I have a huge room with 28' foot ceilings, in places.   A lot different than my first room, as Dennis, Zybar, and OgOgilby could attest to, which was 12' X 14', and for which there isn't enough OC703 in the world to control the bass, and even my second room, a huge improvement, that was 12' X 24' (with a mostly-open 16' deep room behind it).  Just moved into my new place yesterday.  The movers got tired and left, and I spent the entire night carrying car-loads of stuff between the two homes, then closed on the old house @ 2PM today and the new house @ 4PM today.  It will take a few days to organize, and I am racing this weekend, but I am already craving music.  When it's all set-up, I hope my NEAR colleagues will join me for music, billiards, food, drink, and camaraderie.  I am now in Watertown, MA, just a couple of miles from my old place.

Congrats oneinthepipe! Are you all unpacked now? Besides the 28' foot ceilings, what are the dimensions of your new room? Pics?