Best amp for Raidho Speakers

xti16 - not known for dynamics? I’d suggest that a bit of effort must go into the amp selection.  I’ve had my D1.1s powered by several high current SS amps (currently Ayre MX-R monos) with no dynamics problems......OR IF there is a problem, maybe the superb imaging, giant sound stage, the recreation of instrument timbre, speed, detail, etc completely divert my attention from potentially missing dynamics. Subjective as sound interpretation may be, the D1.1s are the most "live musicians in the room" speaker I’ve ever listened to with most genres of music.

An exception, I will concede my point regarding dynamics as it relates to hard rock at floor shaking volumes....the slam of a 3-way box like a Wilson, Magico, B&W 800 Series will almost always win the dynamics game but will not compete on the other characteristics described above. And then again, here’s the real disclaimer: when we listen to any speaker, we’re actually listening to an entire system of gear.

@jymc

Much appreciation for reviving a thread that needed revival IMO. I must not have noticed the comment referring to Raidhos as " not really known for dynamics". A rather remarkable statement, since I have to wonder how a Raidho could be setup so badly that dynamics weren’t immediately apparent given a dynamic music selection that one is familiar with.

With different amp choices, my C1.1s sounded vastly different wrt dynamics. They are *meant* to be driven with an enormous current reserve, and as such may not be appropriate for many rooms and/or ears.

I’ve written several times (at least twice to Raidho themselves) that the published impedance plots are not what I observed and nothing close to what I’ve measured myself. These speakers are meant to wind up and blast out power in the mid-bass and very low mids. NOT the polite phase angle many might be expecting.

It’s a strange point to make, but I’ll make it here anyhow: I also drove the C1.1s for awhile with MX-Rs - the mid-bass was TOO impactful for me (or rather my room which I feel needs almost no more modification). So I tried lower powered tube amps instead and ended up enjoying the C1.1s more. Yes ... clearly I there was some soft clipping there but I didn’t notice it - the dynamics were still incredible at lower volumes.

Found it.   Gryphon Diablo 300.    Done looking.

Glad you found an amp that suits your tastes. So far, nothing has won over my heart (ears) with my D2 like the Hegel H30, though the Gryphon has always interested me...

count me jealous of every one of you who didn't do what I did: sell my Raidhos:-(

Hegel, Gryphon, MX-Rs ... when I think about the difference between what you're hearing and what I've had before and after my C1.1s ...

the main difference by far is the dynamics. Even though I'd say the hallmark of Raidho speakers is the outstanding ability to blend drivers over the x-over range, it's the dynamic "intention" that really set my C1.1s apart from anything else I've owned.