stesom
Well-known member
Listened to Mcintosh MC501 Monos, ATMA-SPHERE MA1 MKII.3s, Audio Research Ref-210 Monos and the Ayres MX-R Monos.
I can say that using the meters on the Mcintosh was interesting in that they mostly drew 5 watts during my listening but on orchestral music would draw 50 and at times run toward 500 watts. I was listening at what I consider realistic concert levels. So even though the bass is covered the panels can demand a lot of power when reproducing loud passages.
I also have confirmed that the panels low impedence killed the OTL Atma Sphere amp making it sound dull and lifeless so an autoformer or tube amp with transformers such as the ref-210s are required.
All I can say is if you want to get the most out of these speakers you will need high quality power and more is better than less.
The Ref-210s sounded fantastic as did the Ayres so either is a great choice. It really was almost a toss up between the ARC and Arye amps. I just felt the speed and remarkable inner detail with real flesh to the music that the Ayres provided tiped me toward them. The Ayres are also drop dead SEXY!!!!
I will agree with those that are using PASS and PLINIUS that the Summits like power and strong class A biasing.....Steve
I can say that using the meters on the Mcintosh was interesting in that they mostly drew 5 watts during my listening but on orchestral music would draw 50 and at times run toward 500 watts. I was listening at what I consider realistic concert levels. So even though the bass is covered the panels can demand a lot of power when reproducing loud passages.
I also have confirmed that the panels low impedence killed the OTL Atma Sphere amp making it sound dull and lifeless so an autoformer or tube amp with transformers such as the ref-210s are required.
All I can say is if you want to get the most out of these speakers you will need high quality power and more is better than less.
The Ref-210s sounded fantastic as did the Ayres so either is a great choice. It really was almost a toss up between the ARC and Arye amps. I just felt the speed and remarkable inner detail with real flesh to the music that the Ayres provided tiped me toward them. The Ayres are also drop dead SEXY!!!!
I will agree with those that are using PASS and PLINIUS that the Summits like power and strong class A biasing.....Steve
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