Amp recommendations for Nola Metro Grand speakers

cat6man said:

Hi,

I've just emptied the piggybank, upgrading to Nola Metro Grand II speakers and a TotalDAC D1-Dual.
My current amps are VTL 300 deluxe monoblocks which have two problems as I see it.
Number 1 is that they do not support balanced inputs, and that is obligatory for the TotalDAC (well, I could run balanced interconnects, then convert to RCA with adapters that Vincent sells) to fully utilize the balanced DAC.
Number 2 is that the VTL 300 watters were perfect for my old B&W speakers but seem too hot for the Nolas, requiring a lot of attenuation (20-40dB) if driven directly from the DAC.

Any recommendations on a good pair of balanced input monoblocks for driving the Nolas?
Nola typically demos with audio research and the stereo 75W amp seems to drive the big Nolas pretty well.

thanks.

Marty

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cat6man said:

The VTL are a very good match for the Metro Grand, really wonderful, but alas single ended.
I will definitely consider newer VTL models as well, as I am definitely a fan of tube amplifiers.

I wonder if the LAMM ML2 or ML2.1 would be a good match?

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Hyperion said:

Congrats to your new speakers! I'm expecting a delivery of the Metro Grand Reference Gold within the upcoming weeks. Ayon and VTL (current versions comes with balanced inputs) should be potentially great matches for the Nolas if you favour tubes. I will report back as soon as I've gathered some experience with them.

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cat6man said:

Hi,

I've just emptied the piggybank, upgrading to Nola Metro Grand II speakers and a TotalDAC D1-Dual.
My current amps are VTL 300 deluxe monoblocks which have two problems as I see it.
Number 1 is that they do not support balanced inputs, and that is obligatory for the TotalDAC (well, I could run balanced interconnects, then convert to RCA with adapters that Vincent sells) to fully utilize the balanced DAC.
Number 2 is that the VTL 300 watters were perfect for my old B&W speakers but seem too hot for the Nolas, requiring a lot of attenuation (20-40dB) if driven directly from the DAC.

Any recommendations on a good pair of balanced input monoblocks for driving the Nolas?
Nola typically demos with audio research and the stereo 75W amp seems to drive the big Nolas pretty well.

thanks.

Marty

Click to expand...

Idefix said:

Hi Marty

I have now the Metro Gold for severall months.
I use them with a Zanden preamp and a Luxman M800 ClassA.
My room is not very large and for now i don't real need an other M800 to drive my Nolas.

After severall tests i finaly chose a tube preamp with a ClassA power amp.
My first idea was full tube amplification but with this set i can have qualities of both world.

The Metros are fabulous and give me an extraordinary musical experience.

You can of course use 2 M800 in bridge mode.

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rbbert said:

The speakers are beautiful (and beautiful sounding)!

You don't like the usual recommendation of the ARC 75 to drive them?

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Hyperion said:

I do know that Nola often demos their speakers with ARC (especially the ARC 75). I'm not carrying ARC, but I've got wonderful results with Mastersound and VTL so far. Jeff Rowland is also a great choice if you prefer solid state.

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microstrip said:

Are you using Odin or Valhala2 cables?

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rbbert said:

The speakers are beautiful (and beautiful sounding)!

You don't like the usual recommendation of the ARC 75 to drive them?

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Hyperion said:

I do know that Nola often demos their speakers with ARC (especially the ARC 75). I'm not carrying ARC, but I've got wonderful results with Mastersound and VTL so far. Jeff Rowland is also a great choice if you prefer solid state.

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Priaptor said:

Just went to your site. Great selection. I am envious of all the great stuff.

One thing. I too use Valhalla 2 throughout, except from my REF75. There, per Carl's recommendation, I am using an Odin power cord directly into the wall. I was skeptical but again, he proved to be correct. No going back.

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Hyperion said:

Thanks - appreciate it. Yes, ARC has proven synergy with Nola. That said, there are great options.

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Hyperion said:

Thanks - appreciate it. Yes, ARC has proven synergy with Nola. That said, there are great options.

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Priaptor said:

Agreed.

I have tried McIntosh MC2301, REF250s, Constellation Centaur and the REF75. For me the Constellation was a no go from the start. I had purchased it for a second system for Magico Q1s. They were not my cup of tea especially after getting hooked on NOLAs. I tried ARC on Q1s and Constellation on the NOLA. The Constellation was not very good on the NOLA. The REF250s replaced the MC2301 as I felt they were the better amp. However, I was very surprised (and skeptical) when Carl recommended the REF75. I felt the REF250s were the better amp for the Baby Grands Series II whereas the REF75 the better amp for the Concert Grand, BUT, with the KT150 retubing, the REF75 becomes a giant killer.

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