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Tannoy Westminster amp matching question.

Hello again everyone. Its been a while but I'd like your advice if possible.

I'm waiting for a pair of Tannoy Westminster royal SE's to arrive ( end of dec ). And I'm wondering what to amps to match them with. I have very limited funds at the moment(budget of 3k or so), having lashed out on the speakers, and I'm thinking I'd like to go SET power amps again. So looking at second hand bargains. At the moment I'm thinking Sophia Electric 300b or Art Audio symphony II. Alternative suggestions please !!!!

To give you an idea of my tastes. The system I've put together, that I enjoyed the most, was Avantgarde Duo's and Yamamoto A08s. Loved it. I listen to all sorts of music: Rock, choral, opera, jazz. Love well done female vocals :-)

Thanks for your time.
borg7x9
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Mikedimitrov,
There`s nothing better than hearing something yourself.If would seem a good tube amplifier with the Tannoy is a very good match.I agree with you, an emotional involvement with music is essential. If this vital element is absent what`s the point of listening to music. It you are`nt moved and responding,it`s just a waste of your time.
Regards,
mikedimitrov's avatar
mikedimitrov
126 posts
 
So I heard 2301's and theat was a lot of fun though very expensive.I purchased Neo500,I will report what I think about it when I get it.
art80342
65 posts
 
I bought recently the westminister SE and am having the LFD Mistral integrated with ver good results. Adding in the Musical Fidelity tube buffer then having best of both worlds now with ease of solid state stability with that tube sound.

Have tried Bat vk55 mono blocks with vk32 with very disappointing results.
The Naim supernait also did not cut it.
LFD Mistral ( original old version ) 's clean sounding though only 50 w ( I think so) is sooooo nice.

I am now thinking of getting the Quad combination ...
mikedimitrov's avatar
mikedimitrov
126 posts
 
Art,I found out TW need high power tube amp,the more the better,shocking results
bvdiman
432 posts
 
Mikedimitrov,
I agree TWs do need power, but not necessarily - more better. In my case I've tried most VTLs of that era ('85-'95) - from 100w-500watters. While their Ichibans (EL34s 200w triodes) works superbly, their own 90w (WE 300Bs) kill it, simply sublime. Generally, I'd try avoid classic tubby sounding amps with them, ime - they are much better driven by the more neutral SET/OTL tonality types, and 50w and up are best.

Certain SS amps too could make them sing just as wonderfully though.. Enjoy your TWs!
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