2. speakers
  3. 1078256479

Tube Amplifier Rec. for Proac 1.5 or D 15?

Hi,
I am asking recomendations for a good tube amplifier from the experienced that have listened to a pair of Proac 1.5's or D-15's using various tube amplifiers?
I like the sound of a good EL34 or EL84 based amplifier, but I think the Proac's will need a minimum of 40 watts to get the best from them. The experienced users may know better about the power needed to run the Proac's than I do.
The buget for the amp purchase will be under $2000, used would be the bang for the buck.
Any suggestions will very much appreciated.
Norris Wilson
vatron
sc53
689 posts
 
I also meant to add that the ARC amps use 6550's not EL34's or EL84's. I believe you can find Conrad Johnson amps that use EL34's.
tomryan
794 posts
 
Check the Decware website as they now have a very good EL34 monblock w/ 30wts per channel at around $1,500.00 per set brand new with a 30 day home trial. I have ProAc Response 2.5s which work real good with my 300B 10wt AirTight and has worked good with 25wt SS and 165wt push/pull tubes. I had 20wt 572 SET monos for a while and the ProAcs worked damn good with them. I think the 1.5s would work well with any number of amps. You know, it all depends on how big your room is, how loud you listen, what kind of music, etc.
pepler
30 posts
 
I have had great success with my Conrad Johnson Premier 11A driving my 2.5s. Just about any amp will drive any ProAc Response speaker at least up as far as the 3.8. Even tiny S.E.T.s will drive them well. I would think if you are fond of EL34s the Premier 11xs would be a perfect match, very well built, great sound, and in your price range used. The one most important thing with ProAc Responce speakers is that the are very fussy about the quality of amplifacation, not so much the power.
scottht
387 posts
 
I know you mentioned EL 34's but I run Rogue Magnum M120 mono blocks to my Proac Studio 250's. Awesome amps for the money. Right in your budget also.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
I just heard a pair of ProAc Tablette Reference 8's with an Audio Research tube preamp and power amp (not sure which models), and this combination was magical! I was absolutely blown away by how good those little ProAc's sounded. I am thinking of picking up a pair of Tablette Reference 8 Signatures for my office (probably powered with an integrated from Arcam or Creek).

Tom.
More to discover