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In Reply to: RE: Disagree... posted by Vinyl Valet on June 27, 2015 at 06:06:27
I've used a stock ( other than a MSA powercord ) 254 for a few years in my HT/casual listening set-up. It rotates in this setup with a Latino ST 70 ( also mentioned in this thread) depending on mood and season. Needless to say, in AZ. it's definitely in system during the warmest part of the year. Paid around $650 for it fully assembled. Similarity here is that my main system amp is also a SET. Bottom line is the 254 is a stunning bargain even at its assembled price.
Follow Ups:
I've been thinking about assembling a Latino ST120. In brief, can you tell me how you would compare the 254 to your ST70?
Completely agree with you about tubes and AZ summers. In the past I've had some beasts like Joule Electra and big CJ monos. Learned my lesson; AC cranking/noisy and still too hot in the listening room.
Of the various mods I performed on my 254, elimination of the gain pots was the biggest and most worthwhile improvement. Most folks determine the ideal gain in their system, measure the pot values and replace with a high quality resistor at the circuit board. In my case it was easy. I'm using a TVC pre and was able to just install a silver wire short in both circuit board positions.
Glad to hear that you're enjoying your 254 as much as I'm enjoying mine.
Thx for the compliment. As far as the 254 (stock) vs.the Latino ST 70.....if I could only take one to the "desert island", it would be the ST 70. That said, the 254 is half the price and the convenience factor for everyday listening is off the charts. The tube warmth and more organic qualities of the ST 70 win the day over time, but the differences certainly aren't night and day. BTW, I did own the ST 120 a few years back and it's a wonderful amp as well.
Well, I think you pushed me over the edge. Time to start lobbying the wife for some cash. I love building/repairing/modifying and the 120 looks like a fun project.
My 254 is driving a recent revision pair of Merlin TSM speakers; very revealing and accurate without being harsh or analytical if that makes sense. I'm really liking my modified 254 and it still isn't completely broken in. No big complaints at this point. But your description of the 70/120 really helps. I can see why you like both and I think the 120 and Merlin will be a match made in heaven.
This all fits in nicely with the other discussion about summer and winter amps.
Thanks again.
Not sure how efficient the Merlin is, but the ST 70 may be a moderately cheaper alternative. I kept it over the 120 because of the wide variety of power tubes ( 6L6 thru KT 88 ) I could use. I was also drifting toward more efficient speakers and extra power of the 120 was not essential. For the record, I did like the 120 with KT 120's. The 70 sounds great with Genalex(re-issue) KT 88's. Others have found the Genalex (re-issue) KT 66 to be a winner.
Mick, can't thank you enough for steering me in the right direction. The TSM is an easy load and relatively efficient at 87db/W/m. Yes, the ST 70 does make more sense; less cost, less heat and output tube variety. I have lots of NOS 6L6 tubes (I do a lot of guitar amp work) which I've never used in an audio application so that should be fun and informative. Thanks also for the other output tube recommendations.
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