Amplifier for Altec Valencia speakers

If you haven't already, go to http://www.diyaudio.com, http://www.altecheritage.org or http://www.audiokarma.org for several specific discussions about the 846A and B. I gutted the cabinets and I'm at present building two enormous Onken type enclosures for the 416Z bass driver. When they're done I'll put the horns with new drivers on top of and outside the cabinet. It's an ongoing project, but the plan is to bi-amp through an active crossover using diy 2A3 SETs for the highs and maybe Classe solid state monsters for the bottom. Once it's finished, I'll have to get the whole thing past my wife.

I acquired a very clean pair of 846A's last month from an original owner (actually his dad's speakers which were purchased brand new and subsequently passed on). They are in excellent condition down to the intact front lattice grills; I am driving them with an Audio Research VT100 mkii paired with my ARC SP-10 and an SP-11. Playback has been mostly analog with a Thorens TT and a Denon Dl-103R cartridge swapped out with an Ortofon SPU. I've been marveling at the Valencia's presentation. Eventually, I hope to pair these speakers with a Shindo Monbrison preamp and a yet to be determined SET amp; but for the time being, they are a joy to listen to and a lot of fun.

You guys looking for a Shindo preamp (Masetto 110v) and amp (Cortese 110v) that will fit perfect with these speakers might be in luck soon. Keep an eye out in the next two weeks or so.

Would a SS amp like one of the Pass SIT, J, or the like, give the Valencia's more drive than Shindo amps? Thought I would bump this old thread for opinions. I have a Croft phono integrated that I really should try, but it's generally not partnered with high efficient speakers like Altec's. My thought is it wouldn't be the most quiet amp partnered with Altecs's.

bump