Amps for 20,7s. CJ ART monos?
 

Against my better judgement I'm once again on the fence thinking about a couple ART monos to go with the GAT.

Only problem is my nagging concern about driving magies with tube amps.
Pretty much standard answer is " should work fine ".
Should typically means "might" in these cases.

I suppose I can figure a way for a test... But it would sure be a bit reassuring if I could find one person who tried this combo. :scratch2:

Dude, seriously.....

Many thanks for the helpful suggestion. :no: :D

I wasn't happy with the power into my 20.1's from ARC Ref 210's and went to Krell FPB Mono 350's, which really, don't sound as good as the 210's in my opinion......:tears:

Hi Rayooo,

The GAT/ART mono works excellent, not just fine.

I have been using this combo on the 20.7 for eight months, having used the ART3 and 4XLP275Ms on the 20.1 on a bi-amp basis for a few years.

The GAT/ART combo has been tried here in Hong Kong on other speakers such as Wilson Maxx3, Eggleston Ivy and all the time produced excellent results, over other top solid state contenders.

One minor complaint is the bass control over above cone speakers, though I find nothing wrong with the 20.7s.

Recently I had the chance of comparing the ART Monos to a Swiss solid state mono block costing twice as much. Conclusion both from me and other audiophiles : the ART monos are far better in terms of high and low extension, separation, tonal quality, soundstage, micro and macro dynamics. Surprisingly, the ART monos bettered the SS amp in low end extension, clarity and texture.

The GAT is quite a universal preamp in the sense that it can mate with many other SS amps to good effect.

Happy listening!
Tony

Thanks Tony, thanks Robert!

Hmmm this is looking good. I guess it's about time to have matching pre/power amps.
Last time was - never. :)

I tried the following amps with my 20.7s:

- Bryston 7BST monoblocks: Pretty good sound but something was missing. These amps were a better match with the Magnepan 3.7s.

- Pass Labs X250.5: Much better control and punchier sound compared to the Bryston 7BSTs. With this amp I started enjoying the 20.7s much more.

- Pass Labs XA100.5 monoblocks: In my opinion these amps, with the class A and high current design, are ideal for the 20.7s. The sound is richer and fuller. Instrumental timbre is better defined and instrumental separation in complex orchestral music is more easily achieved. I'm keeping these amps (next I need to find better speaker cables to replace my basic Straighwire Symphony cables).

I have to say, I loves bzr's comment. Brief, accurate, and to the point! LOL! :D

Reputation is what it is!

yeaaaa, I did, seriously, get a pair of ART Monos. 'hoping :sigh: to have them running next week.