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Amp for Acoustic Zen Crescendo 2 ?

Hello all,
I have these speakers for 2 months now and want to move on to a tube amp of 50 - 60 wpc or so, or a SS amp that fits the bill..  My current amp is an Ayre V-5xe.  I'm looking for an amp to sweeten up the top end and has a midrange that does vocals full and articulate, even if that means colored.  The Ayre is a great amp but I think there is a better match out there.  I'll have to save up for used, under $5K.  I'm especially interested with what actual owners would say, as well as their system specifics, but all comments welcome.  Acoustics and speaker placement are fixed and substandard.  That's just the way it goes at our house.
I'm using a steel arm VPI TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ARC PH-7 and REF 3.  Thanks.

wlutke
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Bill,
I recall the same type of enthusiastic "the future is here now " talk with Devialet one box solutions that would render all else inferior.  Sorry, when I heard this brand/products I was underwhelmed to be polite.  Lyngdorf may be a better sounding product,  similar type of hype and predictions.  I just listen. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Wig,
The 805 tube has a reputation for high quality sound but for whatever reason isn't used nearly as often as the 845 or the 211 for that matter. 
Charles 
wlutke OP
294 posts
 
I've researched the Lyngdorf and the idea of room correction is appealing.  God knows my room could use it.   On the other hand the idea of sending square waves to the speakers and having them do the smoothing curbs my enthusiasm.  No D/A conversion?  It could be the future.  I'll wait and see for now.
The Line Magnetic still holds my attention. If the (400 Watt draw) LM adds SET sound to the Zens I will gladly turn up the AC.  I have a Bottlehead SET system in the garage and love it.  


wig's avatar
wig
831 posts
 
wlutke,

I haven't noticed a real difference in room temperature with the LM running 4-5 hours daily and I live in the desert.

Another piece of equipment that contributed to my sound system is Core Power Technologies Equi-Core 1200 Balanced line conditioner; the best I've heard in my system after owning 5-6 other brands.

Wig
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi Wig,
Yes, Balanced AC power for an audio system is an excellent decision.  I have used the BPT 3.5 Signature plus in my system for over 8 years.  All components (including SET  mono blocks) are plugged into it. The improvement it provides is substantial compared with plugged directly into wall (dedicated circuit 20 amps). Wig, your system must just flat out sing!  You've made some wise choices concerning your system. 
Charles 
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