I’ve seen several postings in the last year or so about driving the JBL 2226H. I’ve been using them for about 7 years on many different amps for cheap solid state to MACS to 1 watt SE types and fond the best topology to be a push pull 6550 amp with Mulard type front end and moderate global feedback using good to very good parts.A friend of mine believes it’s due to the large voice coil. The bigger the voice coil the more power the driver wants to get up and go. That’s even with mid 90s efficiency. He prefers EV’s 2.5 inch voice coil with lower powered amps.
Folks starting out might want to look at the following amps:
DIY’s Ella built stock then later converted to 6550s. Later add another chassis loaded with ASC oil caps, a huge Hammond choke, a screen grid regulator.
The AES super amp.
The Grommes 260 reissue.
Wolcott Audio’s Presence amp.
Mesa Barron.
Various CJ and Quicksilver amps.
Maybe the AMC units sold on Ebay.
These amps range from 500.00 to 9000.00. Some require DIY skills.
You’ll know you have the right combination when your teenagers tell you “ DAaaAD Turn that down, does it have to be so looooud!!!” I just reply “Hey, it’s Stevie Ray Vaughan on SACD. Consider this a music lesson!” I later put in SUM 41 which actually has some kick ass guitar and drum parts. Oh yes, the floor boards have to shake a little. A tactical experience brings one closer to the music and performance.
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