[moremoremore]

We're talking a whopping 750 mW here.  Anybody heard the Omegas with dwarf flea power?

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No better way to know than first-hand experience.  So I'm buying one and will report back later.

[FullRangeMan]

The late and friendly amp builder Blair from Niteshade was using a 1626 SE into a Klipsch RF83 w/great results.

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I'm a dumbass. I forgot that I was using my LTA MZ2 as an amp, and that puts out a nominal one watt per channel.  For most of my listening, that was enough, but I think there wasn't quite the dynamic swing I would ultimately be happy with.  I'll get Tom's Darling on Saturday and report back with how that goes.  I am optimistic.

Right now I'm listening to my Omegas with a 7297 chip amp that sounds pretty damn nice.  But I also want that triode SET sound, even if it's not directly heated.

[FullRangeMan]

Do you have a preamp or the Darling have a volume pot?

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My preamp is a Linear Tube Audio MZ2.  I also use a subwoofer.  The Darling does not have a pot.

[FullRangeMan]

The amp may need an preamp to boost the input signal.
Keep us posted.

[moremoremore]

Okay, the verdict is in: it sounds great and is plenty loud and dynamic on the HO monitors!  Subjectively, it sounds double or triple as powerful as the LTA, which I now use as a preamp.  I recently acquired a Fidelity Research MC 201, which has a 0.16 mV output, which combined with my phono pre's SUTs, still required that I have the volume turned all the way up for mid-level listening levels.  Right now, I'm listening to the Modern Jazz Quartet's Fontessa, and the volume pot is at the one o'clock position and it's "comfortably" loud.  My room is about 3000 cubic feet (85 m³) in volume.

I am very pleased with this setup. 

[moremoremore]

Always in a messy state of flux.  But it's playing Glenn Gould's Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1, so all is forgiven.



NOS US Navy GE 1626's from 1942.



Here's a couple of pix of Louis' handiwork on the Super Alnicos:

Birdseye Maple front



Ebony sides, top, and back:



While I'm at it, the "new" FR MC 201:

[FullRangeMan]

Congratulations for the good news.

[OzarkTom]

Here is another interesting tube int. amp to try with the Omegas. The Carot  One-299 Euros and free shipping.

https://carotone.it/shop/ernestolo-amplificatore-valvolare/

Technical specifications

T-Amp IC Tripath TA2024
Output Power 2x15W @ 4ohm
2x6W @ 8ohm (RMS)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 98dB
Ornate Nullam Dolor
Dynamic Range 98dB
IHF IM Distortion 0.10% @ 1W, 4ohm
THD + Noise Audiophile Quality 0.03% @ 9W 4ohm
0.1% @ 11W 4ohm
0.1% @ 9W 6 ohms
0.1% @ 6W 8ohm
High Power 10% @ 15W 4ohm
10% @ 10W 4ohm
Power Efficiency 81% @ 15W 4ohm
90% @ 10W 8ohm
Audio Input IN RCA (Left / Right) x 1
Power Socket (5.5mm / 2.1mm) x 1
Speaker OUT RJ45 x1
Other Volume & Knob Power ON / OFF switch x
Power Indicator (Blue LED) x1
Power Supply DC 12V-13.2V (max.) 5 A

[FullRangeMan]

There is a bigger 35Wp/c monoblock €379 with free shipping world wide:
https://carotone.it/shop/doppio-rum/
Google failed, so if my Italian works it say:
A very powerful pair of completely monophonic output,
even in the power supply.
Capable of perfectly controlling any loudspeaker,
even the most difficult.

Power 70 watts 4 Ohm - 35 watts 8 Ohm
On demanding loads 1 Ohm can deliver 280 watts!

The power supply for this power amp is extremely accurate,
in fact the power supply is 24 V.

It is recommended to match them with high quality speakers

Dimensions 67mm x 27mm x 118mm each
+ dedicated power supply

For speakers with Bi-Wiring power supply are suggested with the addition of the CAROT ONE DIEGOLO stereo power amplifier.

[FullRangeMan]

The Esnestolo say:
Valve amplifier: integration with the tube preamp section contributes to the reproduction of softer and more silky midrange and high frequencies. From the fashion design (in metallic orange color) and with very small sizes that make it the smallest tube amplifier in the world. World presentation at the Top Audio Show 2010.
Obviously the 6922 tube is the preamp section.

[moremoremore]

I would find it tough to live with a non-SET amp right now.  I've had a variety of amps to choose from in the past few months: solid state class A, class AB, tube OTL, and this little 1626-based amp.  It's not even close in my system--with my biases and preferences.  And it was only $525, including shipping.  I would like to hear my old 6B4G amp again, just to compare that and the Darling.  I'd also like to hear a 45 SET amp too, but then there are a lot of things I'd like to do.   

Enjoying Gebhard Ullmann's Die Blaue Nixie on CD right now (weirdo "chamber jazz").  I'm hearing everything again for the first time.  Love that experience!

I liked Louis's speakers before and recognized that my Omegas were fine transducers.  But now I'm hearing everything as a revelation.

[moremoremore]

I've gotten off the merry-go-round, but apparently my cat finds my turntable irresistible.  I love the big effortless neutrality of my Omegas combined with the sound of the 1626 amp.  Never say never, but I'm done looking to upgrade for now.



The old girl is not snarling, just talking.