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Need amp suggestions for Hedlund Horns....

A few months ago, I heard a Cary 300b amp hooked up to some small monitors and was blown away... so the itch to upgrade started.

I just bought used a pair of Hedlund horns... came with it (free) was a diy homemade tube amp that does not sound adequate (based on what I heard these horns can do).

I’m in the market for a used amp that would be the ideal match for these Hedlunds. From what I read, I have several options such as 300b, 2A3, etc. but what would you recommend?  I've never had a low-power SET amp before.  

My room is 25’x 30’ with vaulted ceilings (large enough), wood floors, fairly open. I listen to everything from classic jazz, horns, classical, vocals, and the occasional rock. I would love to have some volume to feel the energy and texture of the song.


ramoneo14
gwalt
140 posts
 

I heard both 2a3 and a 45 on my Edgarhorn speakers and of the two preferred the 45. The caveat to all of this is the design quality of the amp....power transformers/coupling caps/power supplies etc. I also owned a top quality 300B but the 45 was at least an equal match in musicality with the 16 OHM/107 DB load.

You will notice little difference in power between 2a3/45 but I predict their are more 45 tubes out there to choose from the NOS tube days as they were used in tube radios of yesteryear. I owned the Yamamoto 45 and still own the Korneff 45 and prefer the Korneff for the sound you mention.......again same tube different design. Same ole story. My opinion is go with a used 45 if you can find one but quality of design matters a lot with either amp.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi Gwalt,
I always appreciate your impressions.  With a budget of 2000 dollars it would be easier to find a good quality 45 SET compared to the 3000b which are more expensive to produce. 
Charles, 
gwalt
140 posts
 

Charles:

Thank you. I believe there is guy at Wu Audio that is building a Korneff Replica. All I know is he is from Asia and copied the design. I think he goes by Wu?

I had some trouble with 300B tubes being microphonic with the long plates into a high efficiency designed speaker. The 45 tube has it all in musicality with great bass control for its output. If I were Ramoneo I would go that route as there is also some great NOS 45 tubes still out there. I still own 2 pair of RCA Globes and they are sweet as can be.

I can find out the builder if Mr. Ramoneo wants to know as I had a friend who had one built.

powder1
20 posts
 
Willard Vincent in Idaho makes fabulous sounding SET as well as push-pull amps based on 45 tubes. I have been using a push pull for 5 years with no problems. (Amp is on everyday). His prices are close to your budget. He goes by autospec. Or google will Vincent amps.
bradf's avatar
bradf
288 posts
 
Hi, ramoneo14
Your original question stated that you wanted suggestions for a good amp. Is this the case, and if so what pre-amp do you have or plan to get, or are you looking for an integrated amp?
Also did you come too realize that $1000.00 may not be able to obtain you the amp/preamp/integrated your seeking and you have since increased your budget to $2K.
Knowing the above would help in making more accurate suggestions with regard to possible candidates.
Another suggestion would be to research audio clubs/organizations in your area; there may be members willing to share or demonstrate there amps/integrated for you, there by taking some of the guess work out if for you.


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