1 - Aurorasound HFSA-01 (EL84 tubes, push-pull, hybrid design: solid state preamp and tube power amp)
This was the amp in the dealer’s system when I first listened to the speakers.
A superb amp with the only minus: the lack of a volume remote control… and perhaps the price
2 - Synthesis Soprano (EL84 tubes, push-pull, hybrid design: solid state preamp and tube power amp)
A wonderful little amp with marvelous sound that even drove the Magnepan LRS+.
I have also tested the LE (Limited Edition) but although NOS it was defective and was sent to the factory… with zero results and a poor customer service.
3 - Line Magnetic LM-211ia (EL34 tubes, triode / ultralinear modes)
My current tube amp, a Western Electric design rejuvenated by this Chinese company with top notch build quality.
The stock tubes allowed decent sound but a recent change to the Psvane Horizon (all tubes) was a revelation.
This amp has two operating modes (selected by a switch on the front panel), triode (more sweet) and ultralinear (more dynamic) and the choice is accordingly to the type of music used.
Also, it is equipped with binding posts for 4 and 8 ohms, and currently I prefer the last for the very slightly more robust and detailed sound.
Between the three amps, perhaps the advantage could be on the Aurorasound amp (for the design and high quality parts) but I haven’t tested it in my room. The Synthesis Soprano was discontinued.
The Line Magnetic is a great start, a quality piece with enough potential (tubes change demands it) to show the Full OGYs amazing sound, but I will continue to search a EL84 based tube amp… perhaps a Audionote OTO…
Meanwhile I have bought a pair of Antique Sound Lab Wave-8 (used but mint condition) that I delivered to a friend that is a super hi-fi technician, to have a deep modification. These monoblocs are based on the 6BM8 tube and although inexpensive in their day, were known for a great sound and a primer choice between big Klipsch aficionados.
… but I will have to wait 3-4 weeks go get them in the system.
Right now, my experiences with the Full OGYs don’t favor tube or solid state amps and that just show that the speakers are very well designed. If fact, they can sound completely different according to the amp used, one of my favorite characteristics and why they are my favorite and principal speakers
