DXT 17's on bass and midrange, 25w on TW. The 17's were better matched to the loads with output transformers wired to within 25% of ideal, the 25w wired less matched (50%) but of course less stressed on the tw load. Transformer design and matching is critical with valves. Sound quality was as good as I have heard from the Definitives, and able to easily drive the room to saturation.

Unfortunately we didn't have 6 17w's as this was clearly the better sound (more magic!). Hearing this sound on an efficient speaker was an "ear opener" for me - no turning back from. The quest now is to find amps that can deliver it ALL into the earlier, less efficient Apogee's seems all the more important.

Whilst this doesn't mean I have shifted my preferences to "valves" it does mean I have shifted my expectations for amplifiers. I won't tolerate a mechanical sound! It doesn't matter what method/style of amplifier is used, but it MUST have the lifelike sound quality, and ideally the ability to drive all or at least a good portion of the dynamic range of the speaker (See Amplifier Absolutes thread).

It's not often that I set aside time to play, but a good afternoon/evening was had, lessons learned and perspectives shifted. Thanks to Donald Tan of DXT and fellow Apogee owner Neil Davey for their time, opinions and company! Full system;-

Close up on the amps;-

DXT Don

My appetite is whetted now, hopefully I will hear some other amps that can deliver the goods!!

System specs;-

Sonic frontiers Anthem used as a transport.
DEQX PDC 2.6P
Eichmann Extreme 6 interconnects/digital
DXT mono valve amps, 17w on bass/mr, 25 on tw
Definitive, using their own cables

No power conditioners, diffusion etc. Room size = 13' x 22'. Yes, a box...

Obviously I could improve the transport here - but so far I spend out on workshop kit to improve the products I make instead! Works for me

Biggest lesson learned on the day? I should socialise more!!!

Does Franck here in Switzerland have the Synergy? If so, I would like to take one of my KR VA350s and give it a spin on that bad boy.

I'm glad to hear of your positive listening session(s). As valve lovers like to say "Tu-be or not tu-be, that is the question!" Please keep us posted as you continue your journey.

Mike

CJ - agreed. In truth I don't get many visitors here, and since starting this service about 9 years ago (yes, 9 years today since I first came here!!) I have concentrated on solving other people's system problems. I have powered up my Definitives less than 30 times since making them!

I hope to hear others amps on them over time, so long as they arn't unstable like those scary Rowen amps from the other year!!

Brad - Frank has no Synergy speakers, and has yet to hear them. I would love to hear the combination with your amps but with Frank representing me in Switzerland the combination seems unlikely THERE. I know politics have got me into trouble before - believe me I long for a world without them...

Allen has been here a couple of times and heard my speakers but due to the distances/customs has not packed a set of his valve amps. So far the closest I have got there was sighting his (beautifully engineered) pre amp, before 2 hours listening to 6 channels of ICE500a based amp's speak. I have probably only listened 10 times since in a relaxing manner to this day, most of that round other peoples houses! C'est la vie.

At the end of the day I have a good relationship with Frank as a long established part of our installer group, and have trained him in Apogee repair and installation of bass here in Australia. Like all of the installers, beyond just business - I share a lot with the group. Frank and I have repaired a lot of classic Apogees, and I have sold new product via his store. At some point he will hear Synergy, and he may decide to stock or perm-demo the product. It sounds mad, but I am in no rush, especially with things as they are out there...

That is to take nothing from your interest and offer, sincerely appreciated...