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CAT or VAC for Shahinian Obelsik

I'd like to refute that prevailing wisdom that Shahinian speakers need high powered solid state amps and find a tube amp to drive my Obelisks. I was first considering the new VAC 160 Standard musicblocs - 160w per side using 4 KT88s. I've since found a possible deal on a CAT JL2 - my sense is the CAT would drive the Shahinians pretty well. Even though the CAT is rated at 100w I suspect it's a pretty imperturbable 100w. I'm leaning towards the CAT - seems like it would be a "last amp" purchase (actually very likely in this case). Any wisdom from the CAT and/or Shahinian experienced? System is Calypso, Modwright 3910, will have analog soon.
Thanks
samcclark
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Odyssey SS amps are a overbuilt bargains, and they deliver massive current. Underrated and underappreciated by audiophiles accustomed to spending more. They are really good, IMO.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Sounds like the new VAC Phi 300 also should be able to drive your speakers with no problem. As long as you're talking about "last amp" purchases, you might want to read this review of the 300 by a fellow A'goner before your purchase:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ramps&1148154313&read&3&zzlVac_man&&
hassel
248 posts
 
OK, I have read a little bit about the CAT now, and this indeed seems to be a special kind of beast. Let us know how it turns out sound-wise. Another tidbit of my experience, however: The Obelisk is very sensitive to a good speaker cable. What do you use so far?
samcclark OP
16 posts
 
I have Auditorium 23 speaker cables. Recommended by Joe Fratus of Art Audio (a great guy), review on 6moons. I think they sound really good but I'm still a neophyte at all this stuff. Hodgepodge cable repertoire includes Jena Symphony IC, Poiema!!! IC, Stealth PGS Gold IC. I admit that a gut feeling is a bad rationale for dropping the kind of money a CAT requires but my sense is that it would work great. But that's why I'm soliciting opinions.
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