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Driving and Biwiring SF Concertinos

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Hi inmates
I've just bought a pair of Sonus Faber Concertinos, with the fixed height stands, and they sound wonderful in my smallish (5x4m) bedroom.
I have two queries:
(1) I am driving the 'tinos with an ARC D130, 130wpc into 8 ohms s/s. My fiance has just bought this amp for me ex-demo for 999 UKP, and as I say I'm happy with the sound, especially the midrange though the bass is also better, more tangible, than I expected.
BUT, I have an Audionote P1SE (Signature version) single ended 10wpc valve amp in my room which I'm trying, with no success, to sell. I've picked up a bit of information to the effect that the 'tinos work better with valves. What is your advice? Should I try it and see?
I suppose I'm reluctant to have to turn around and sell the ARC (displeasing my fiance), but I suppose if the AN drives the speakers better then I'll do it. I used the AN with Epos ES12s and I enjoyed the sound of the amp, very fluid, detailed, and musical, but I was worried about the lack of watts when I upgraded my speakers.
I bought the ARC 'cause I thought it would be better in the long run if I had more power, since the AN is only rated at 10wpc, less than SF recommend for the 'tinos. I also have an ARC LS8 pre-amp so I thought it would make a better combo. And most ex-dem D130s go in the UK for 1200-1400 UKP, so mine was a really good buy. So any advice on which amp to use will be most welcome.
(2) Re. the 'tinos, I have Kimber 4TC single wires. Are these speakers improved by bi-wiring?
Many thanks in anticipation
Cheers
Alan

Follow Ups:

Re: Driving and Biwiring SF Concertinos Hyperion 17:44:58 10/01/00 (0)
1.) 10Wpc is a bit too low for the Concertino. At least 30Wpc tube power is more realistic. But do try and see what happens. I havent heard the D130 but the Concertino tend to sound better with slightly mellow well behaved tube amps in the mold of the classic golden sounding amps of the past.
2.) Yes, the Concertino is improved by biwiring, no doubt about it. Of course replacing the stock jumper results is a more cost-effective solution.
Re: Driving and Biwiring SF Concertinos Ferdinand 03:00:36 09/29/00 (0)
The Audio Note power amp should be able to drive the Concertinos. Although they are 86 db, they are fairly stable in terms of impedance. I have an OTO SE which is also 10 watts and it drives my Merlins TSM-SE's with no problems @ all.
Re: Driving and Biwiring SF Concertinos Charlie K 16:54:17 09/28/00 (0)
I would remove the bogus jumper bars that connect the mid bass and tweeter and replace them with decent speaker wire to begin with. I suspect that you will notice an improvement. I certainly did however I haven't been able to tell much difference between bi-wiring and using a good wire instead of a jumper. Leads me to believe that SF uses pretty decent crossover components.
In all honesty I don't think 10wpc will cut it with the 'Tinos @ 86db efficiency but your ears may say different. I drove mine with 50wpc valve power and thats about as low as I would go.
I would give the valves a shot though. Just keep an ear on it. Worst thing that will probably happen is you'll become posessed and be compelled to buy a stronger valve amp. Hehehe.
Re: Driving and Biwiring SF Concertinos OwenMenay 08:33:04 09/28/00 (0)
I had the Concertos for a long time. (I know have the GP's). I noted a marked impovement and depth and bass when I went to a bi-wire configuation with Kimber 8TC to the low end and 4TC to the top end.
You are half way there....

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