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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
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Message started by hoon on 04/14/17 at 21:21:37

Title: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by hoon on 04/14/17 at 21:21:37

I am sort of torn which wattage to get. 2, 6, 20W?

I listen at desktop setting no more than 2 meters and 2 watt should be sufficient but not sure if it will be enough to provide decent headroom at dips and peaks?

For info Orcas are 89db efficient.

Please help!
zen ufo vs rachel vs torii jr.

Thanks

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by busterfree on 04/14/17 at 23:18:08

I think the 2 watt amp is the way to go. I like the smaller footprint, single input tube, cheap output tubes, and lower cost.

The 6 & 20 watt amps will do well. They have their own positives.

6 watt - meters, multiple output tube choices, preamp out, up to 4 inputs

20 watt - dual mono tube regulated power supply, high watts, short signal path

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by hoon on 04/14/17 at 23:53:05

hmm Thank you but do you think sound quality wise, would Zen throw punches with the bigger sibling?

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by Lon on 04/14/17 at 23:55:47

I agree that the 2 watt may be the best choice. Unless your speakers have a very complicated and/or power-draining crossover with the configuration and distances you are within I think you should have enough headroom. And the clarity and intimacy of the 2 watt Zen sound is a wonderful thing.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by effluviography on 04/15/17 at 00:04:23

I have Blumenstein Orcas and have used them with the Zen and the Mini-torii. Both sounded very good with the Orcas. So, 2 and 4 Watts. The Zen provided enough power for me in a desktop setup. The Orcas need a subwoofer to really shine as they don't go down too deep. With a sub, they are a nice setup (I added a Blumenstein sub to the setup). I personally preferred the sound of the Mini-torii with the Orcas not because I needed any extra power, just because they Mini-torii is a bit weightier in the lower mids/mid-bass and I liked that sound with the little Fostex drivers. I can't speak to the Rachael or the Torii jr though.

While I like the Orcas, I have since switched the Orcas for Omega Super 3i speakers in my desktop setup.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by hoon on 04/15/17 at 00:09:35

Thank you very much everyone

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by trusturears on 04/15/17 at 22:28:55

I have the Orcas and a UFO2 that's on order and should be here soon. Will be happy to report back once I get to hear that set up. Also recently bought a pair of open baffle Betsy's that just arrived and looking forward to giving them a listen and can report back. Interested in comments from anyone w/a UFO2 and either of two Omegas I'm curious about - the Super 3HO Monitor, or the Compact Alnico Monitor.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by Tal on 04/18/17 at 17:43:12

I ran a pair of Orca minis with a single UFO2, and felt the UFO2 was more than sufficient power-wise as well as sound quality. Depending on your room and preference, you may want to consider adding a sub-woofer. I ran the Orca's with Blumenstein Benthic sub and outboard amp.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by hoon on 04/18/17 at 23:55:17

Thank you I have the Baby Benthic ordered. Just wondering would it be too much for a use in condo/apartment? It doesn't seem like traditional subwoofer (goes down only to 30 Hz) so I think it would be ok but I am not too sure if it will end up annoying my neighbors.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by Archie on 04/19/17 at 00:46:39

Make sure you isolate it from the floor and it will help reduce the boom.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by effluviography on 04/19/17 at 05:57:12

I use my Blumenstein Sub (pre-benthic) in an apartment (on third floor). Use an Auralex Sub-dude to minimize transmission through the floor. Doesn't seem to cause a problem with the neighbors and makes the system much better.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by trusturears on 04/21/17 at 23:57:35

I'm in well damped smallish room, about 13' x 15' and am using the UFO2 and Orcas in a second system. My other set up is solid state all the way.

The UFO2 has been up and running on and off for about 15 - 20 hours so it's still very much just breaking in. It's extremely well put together and beautiful to look at. My wife, who could care less about audio, actually like it a lot. As to the sound, I would imagine anyone going in this type of direction already understands exactly what they're signing up for and doesn't expect to head bang w/a set up like this.

The UFO2 and the Orcas are a VERY nice match. You can hear deep into the recording, great tone and dynamics and extremely easy to listen to. Even at this early stage I'm quite happy! This combo will play louder than I'd want if I had friends over and we were trying to have a conversation. More power (and probably a sub) would be recommended if you want to rock out a lot - and for that I'm not sure I'd go the Orca route even w/a sub, but I don't have any actual experience so that's a total guess.

I haven't tried the Betsy's yet. They're supposedly about 2.5db more efficient (89 v 92.4 from what I've read), so I expect a bit more volume out of them. Will report back on that.

I could see an extremely efficient Klipsch or Altec type set up getting plenty loud on the 2 watts the UFO puts out. I don't have room for that. I still would love to hear anyone who has tried a UFO with the new Omega Super 3HO Monitors or the Omega Compact Alnico Monitors.

Title: Re: Best amp for Blumenstein Orca?
Post by trusturears on 04/21/17 at 23:59:55

actually meant about 3.5db more efficient, sorry.