Nova Speakers -- which amplifier?

[Fitz]

Hi there --

I just purchased a pair of Nova Ovation speakers. I know they have
excellent potential, but I haven't found the right amplifier for them
yet.

The company recommends Music Hall and Classe, but has to take such
recommendations with a grain of salt. It's not unheard of for companies
to cross-promote products, regardless of whether they're really
compatible.

Has anyone tried these speakers before? What combination worked best
for you? Thanks for your help.

-- Brent

[Bret Ludwig]

Fitz wrote:
> Hi there --
>
> I just purchased a pair of Nova Ovation speakers. I know they have
> excellent potential, but I haven't found the right amplifier for them
> yet.
>
> The company recommends Music Hall and Classe, but has to take such
> recommendations with a grain of salt. It's not unheard of for companies
> to cross-promote products, regardless of whether they're really
> compatible.
>
> Has anyone tried these speakers before? What combination worked best
> for you? Thanks for your help.

Most any amplifier you prefer generally with sufficient power would be
the first thing to try. If tube amplifiers are your general preference,
it should be noted Sowter now produces the Acrosound TO-350 output
transformer, and the Acrosound design implemented per their drawings
would make for a really nice 80 wpc monoblock. An early non-PCB VTL or
a Marantz 5 or 8B or clone thereof (which early VTLs actually
substantially are) would be pleasing too.

Solid state choices include about anything, to your taste, but the
most economical and very competitive with $5000 new high-end-store
products are modified Haflers. Few curent production High End
amplifiers do substantially better in my extensive listening experience
to some of the Hafler (or Dyna 400) conversions. Audio by Van Alstine
does some nice ones at only a moderately high price. He stands behind
his work as well. Halcros and suchlike may sound better, but I can't
afford one, and if you have chosen these speakers you probably can't
either-and the difference may be subtle.