Hi all
I have had some refurbished L212 for about 8 months, I think it is a great speaker system.
Up until now, I have used a Unison Research Unico SE 140 watt Hybrid Amplifier and it could drive the speakers to VERY loud levels.
It was reasonably dynamic and a good sound.
The amplifier is a good thing but I felt the L212 could do with more.
I purchased a Valve Pre Power - Mystere PA21 and Ca21 that had a retail value of about $8k AUD when new some 5 years ago.
The PA21 power amplifier is about 50 watts with the original KT88 and about 80 with the KT150.
My issue now is this.
I can hear the quality of the amps and I really like it. It gives me a whole new respect for the speakers however the volume control needs to go to 3 o'clock for a reasonable volume.
There does not seem to be a lot of distortion that I can tell which suggests the amp is not struggling at this point but I have never in 25 years had to play a system at 3 oclock.
I can push it up to 5 oclock and it hardens a little.
The volume is not enough by any standards.
Now I do not play music very loud all the time.
I have tinnitus and need to protect myself from further damage but I know these speakers have done great things on other amps and this just does not seem right.
There is no channel imbalance, no issues I can find with the amps.
I wanted to know what the opinions are here as I am a little lost.
I have read a couple of people's reviews where they say they have listened to long term with 30 EL84 watts or even a 5 watts flea powered amp and If this is true then the 80 watts from the KT150 should be perfect for these.
I would be really appreciative of any advice on what could be going on here.
Thanks
Gareth