Advice on amp for small 2nd system ?

[Wino]

Sorry to be a buzz kill, but what does this thread have to do w/ Shindo ?

Perhaps it should be moved ?

(Not trying to be a butthead)

David

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by fjn04

I am in the process of setting up a second system with a pair of Spendor S3/5 R's. I would love to go solid state for convenience, but my concern is being so spoiled with my Shindo gear.

I am leaning toward integrated amps, and have read good things about the LFD Zero. I listened to the Spendors briefly in my Shindo system, with the Corton Charlemagne's. The Spendors were certainly forgiving, but not a good match. As expected, the S3/5's like more power. I believe they spec at around 85 db, 8ohm, much like a Harbeth P3esr. The system will be analog based, but I have not decided on a TT/cartridge.

The McIntosh MA6600 has been serving me very well in my second system.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by fjn04

I ended up buying the 211 IA. I very slightly preferred it to the 216IA, which I also auditioned. Both sounded excellent, and I could easily live with either. I just have a preference for the EL 34. I wanted to like the 216 better, because I already have an EL34 amp, but it didn't go that way. Thanks again for all the Suggestions.

Congrats !
Looks very good. Did you try it on your speakers ?

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[fjn04]

I did try it, but with a $40 dvd player just to get it cooking. In ultralinear, it definitely does a nice job powering the Spendors 3/5's. I have not checked out the triode setting yet.

Still in the process of choosing an analog front end, but the sound is better than anticipated w/ the dvd player. The forgiving nature of the Spendors, may have alot to do with the respectable sound I am hearing w/ the dvd player.

Wino-point well taken. Thanks !

May all your Thanksgivings be warm and green!

[mbovaird]

Did you look at a Pass xa30.5? Not sure if it has enough juice for your speakers...but just a thought.

[fjn04]

Never considered the Pass. I decided to go with tubes for this setup. The under 2k price of the 211IA & 216IA were also within budget. I am considering some SS options for a phono stage, but may go tubes there as well. Options to finish the system: WT Simplex, DV 20XL, phono stage options are Rogue Ares, Modded Jolida JD9 so far...!

[fjn04]

Just Reposted this thread under PHONO Preamps/Cartridges, thanks!