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In Reply to: RE: LD MkII Dual Mono Vs. LUX SET posted by JoseL on August 25, 2011 at 19:32:33
I've built both, each with premium parts, transformers, tubes, etc.Based on my experience, the Lux is your best bet for speakers under 98db efficiency.
Without going into detail, overall I prefer the Lux. Both are great amps though, each one of the best bargains in audio. I would love to have a pair of the Lux monos.
I have also built kits from Transcendent, Welborne, Yamamoto, Bottlehead and Audionote. Although fine products from all, these have all been sold. The LadyDay and Lux are keepers. I do miss the Yamamoto A-08S (45 output tube) but no longer own speakers that it can drive properly.
Finally, the service and support I have received from Brian and crew has always been excellent.
Edits: 08/31/11Follow Ups:
Just to clarify, my LD monos are the early LD91 implementation (pre P:USH power, electrolytics in the power supply). I don't know how the current production one chassis, film power supply LD MkII compares to mine. Probably close enough to make my analysis valid.
Brian or Thorsten, please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks a lot TWR for the very useful info. Would you please elaborate a bit about their sound?
I love the midrange of a good 300B SET but I also like bass control, drive, PRaT and above all GBF (goose bumps factor).
Can I have my cake and eat it with any of these amps?
Thanks again,
JoseL
You're welcome. Sorry, I don't do the audiophile review thing well. I simply have two criteria: Does the system rock (loud, dynamic, uncompressed sound - applies to large orchestral, big band as much as rock - your job will be much easier if you only listen to small ensemble classical, jazz, folk, etc)? Does the music sound right (subjective but if all the things you mentioned above aren't right, probably not)? I use what I hear as a musician as my reference.All the things you are looking for can be available with either amp depending on your choice of speakers and your acoustics. I prefer the Lux with my current speakers because it's the better match of the two. I'm planning on building a pair of 4Pi speakers in the near future. These are a much better choice for my tastes and SET amps. Who knows, with these speakers, I might prefer the LD.
Overall, I think you are more likely to reach your goal with the Lux simply because of it's ability to drive less efficient speakers. If an amp can't drive a speaker properly, forget about drive, PRAT, bass control and GBF. BTW, if you are talking bass in the 20Hz to 50Hz region and plan on using SET amps like these, you'll have to go with plate amp powered subwoofers or have speakers the size of a small house.
So yes, you can have your cake with either assuming you have the right speakers properly set up in a good acoustic environment. That's not easy to do. As an ex high end audio dealer, I rarely went into a home and found these factors optimized. I always told people to first pick the speakers that they liked the most. Then build the system around those speakers.
Good luck, hope it all comes together for you.
Edits: 09/02/11
I just looked at your system. I assume you will be purchasing an appropriate speaker for these amps. I would not recommend either (or any SET amp for that matter) to drive Soliloquy 5.3 speakers. I know the factory specs a minimum of 8W. Don't believe it if you are looking for drive, dynamics, etc.
Great info and advice LWR, thanks again. Yes, I am going to get the appropriated speakers. In my list of speakers to be considered are Zu, Tekton, Omega or Tonian. I plan to have two systems in the same room, the 300B amp for jazz, vocals and the like and another SS and/or PP system for more demanding material. Eventually the Soliloquy will be replaced by Von Schweikert's VR-33.
JoseL
Lots of good choices. Sounds like you're having fun. Glad I was able to help.
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