Walnut 19's

[Gerald DiMauro]

Hi All,
Just wanted to share with the Altec lovers world that I just bought a gorgeous pair of walnut 19's. They were from the original owner (Hi Robin!) and were kept in immaculate condition. I was actually moved to tears ( no kidding) when I first played them. These are one of the best on earth. Now, what kind of tube amp am I looking for? Can anyone point me in the right direction for a beginner? This is a great board.
Thanks in advance
JDM

[Jim Butler]

HI JDM,
Congrats on acquiring a pair of Model 19's. I also have a walnut pair and never tire of listening to them.

Though I know you are looking for a tube amp (and the 19's efficiency certainly makes low power possible), I have found excellent results using large SS amps in the 200 WPC range. The 19's had a published maximum recommened amplifier range of 350 WPC. The Sansui G9700 I am now using really makes them snap, IMHO.
JIm Butler

[Gerald DiMauro]

Hi Jim
Thanks for the info. I too have big Sansui. Not sure of the model at this time. I'm finding out now how they respond. This is a dream come true. Thanks again for your response. Good luck to you!
JDM
Gerald DiMauro

[Albert Allen]

Hey Dave, it's nice to see you over here too. These guys are "almost" as nice as the guys from the "other" forum don't you think?

[Gerald DiMauro]

Dave
Thanks for your input. I'm going to check out that web site.

Sincerely
Gerald

[selmerdave]

JDM,

Well, it depends on exactly what kind of sound you're looking for but I would highly recommend what I'm using, a Zen SET amp from decware.

www.decware.com/tubes.htm

The "select" model is really worth it (and only $695) but can be had cheaper by buying the base model ($499) and sonically upgrading ($79) to the select as I did. Don't be afraid of low power, my 604's are 16 ohms so I get half the power you would and I get up around 100-105db's no problem. The beauty of sound is well worth it.

Dave

[scott fitlin]

I would look for a vintage McIntosh! An MC 2200 is a stereo amp with 200wpc, and has a sweet sound!

[Gerald DiMauro]

Thanks, Scotty. Is that something new?
Gerald

[scott fitlin]

No. you want a vintage Mc! late 70,s thru early 80,s MC 2200. McIntosh has a sweet sound to it! And ( IMHO ) amps from this era ( the good ones )just seem to work well with older JBL and Altec speakers with horns!

[Gerald DiMauro]

Scotty
Thanks for your help. I'll add this to things to my "things to check out".
Sincerely
Gerald