What amplifiers work best with Rockports? What have you heard?

caesar · Apr 3, 2017

Also, does anyone know what amplifiers Andy Payor uses during R&D? Thanks

Steve Williams · Apr 3, 2017

Gryphon??

sbo6 · Apr 3, 2017

I've heard Arrakis with 2 pair of Siegfrieds which are superb. I also heard the Aviors at RMAF a few years back with Absolare amps, I believe. Different models, different rooms, different sources but if I had to guesstimate the amp flavor - the VTLs have muscle along with finesse with less tube qualities. The Absolare much more tubeyness and less bass control. Both have excellent midrange and highs, excellent spacial cues and dimension.

LL21 · Apr 3, 2017

caesar said:
Also, does anyone know what amplifiers Andy Payor uses during R&D? Thanks

Andy Payor uses Gryphon, though i have seen his website use CJ and VTL as well from his photos. today, you see Gryphon amplification and preamplification on his website. I have also spoken with him, and he definitely uses Gryphon a lot during design, testing and auditioning.

Steve Williams · Apr 3, 2017

LL21 said:
Andy Payor uses Gryphon, though i have seen his website use CJ and VTL as well from his photos. today, you see Gryphon amplification and preamplification on his website. I have also spoken with him, and he definitely uses Gryphon a lot during design, testing and auditioning.

Like I said

LL21 · Apr 3, 2017

Steve Williams said:
Like I said

Yep...you answered that one in 2 minutes, no less!

asiufy · Apr 3, 2017

"Works best" is completely subjective...
Best I've heard was Boulder. They seem to LOVE the extra wattage. Curious how a pair of D'Agostinos would do on them...

Ron Resnick · Apr 3, 2017

Andy switched from VTL to Gryphon. I would imagine that any amplifier manufacturer would be ecstatic to get an endorsement like that from Andy.

I like the VTLs on my friend's Arrakis speakers. I have never heard Gryphon on Arrakis. Two different flavors of amazing -- of that I am certain!

When I -- somewhat sheepishly -- told Flemming I would be driving the Pendragons with 350 watt VTLs he was not horrified.

JackD201 · Apr 3, 2017

In HK Rockport shows with VTL. Great sound every time.

Altanpsx · Apr 4, 2017

ASR Emitter 1 & 2, Ypsilon Aeliusmkii+pst100, Absolare set and push pull, Gryphon antileon, mephisto, colesseum, Ongaku, Kagura etc. All of them works beatifully on their own way. What are you really looking for ?

KeithR · Apr 4, 2017

I've heard Rockports on BAT (tube and SS) and Vitus at Newport for many years (member here cakeaudio does a great setup) as well as the Cygnus on Boulder at this year's RMAF. BAT SS was my favorite setup between these options and an easy recommendation.

Ironic that Andy uses Gryphon which of course isn't distributed here? Or does he sell it direct.

Ron Resnick · Apr 4, 2017

I agree Cake Audio does a great set-up.

I know that there are no direct sales of Gryphon products in the USA.

lasercd · Apr 5, 2017

I use a Boulder 2060 to drive a pair of Rockport Aquila. Its an exceptionally good match.

I was told that Andy Payor recently switched to Boulder amplification.

BruceD · Apr 5, 2017

I ran my Rockies with Jadis JA100 Monos--smooth non fatiguing sound--Ok bass--little syrupy possibly but enjoyable--

lacked real grunt when demanded but Aprt living precluded any lease breaking episodes

Wish I could recommend fully the Jadis gears but after Power Transformer failures and having to change out blown R150 Resistors across the Tubes

with heavy heart ,inspite of the sublime smoothness---I'm afraid the answer is no

BruceD

cjfrbw · Apr 5, 2017

I would imagine Payor gets all manner of high end amplifiers to try out. I don't think stating a specific preference would serve him well in general. If I manufactured speakers, I wouldn't endorse a particular amp but would display them with as many different amps as possible as long as the amps were generally suitable to the speakers' power and impedance requirements.

MarinJim · Dec 18, 2017

To add to the mix, I heard he uses Doshi 180 mono's.

SuperDave · Dec 19, 2017

I use Nagra HD monos with Aviors. In my smaller room, I don't feel I'm missing much.

Dave

Empirical Audio · Dec 19, 2017

Two SS amps I like are Wells Audio, which has a nice tube sound, and Merrill Audio which is very fast and detailed. The only other SS amps that challenge these are D'Agostino.

If you want tube, go with single-tube output SET, like the Arte Forma. 30W DC-coupled monoblocks, so no caps in the signal path. Great iron too. Just needs the right tubes, and I can help with selecting these.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Sunnyboy1956 · Feb 2, 2018

My Aviors sing beautifully with my pair of 150wpc SET amps

howiebrou · Feb 2, 2018

JackD201 said:
In HK Rockport shows with VTL. Great sound every time.

Probably because they are distributed by the same company...

What amplifiers work best with Rockports? What have you heard?

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