|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.247.31.218
I've been reading about a 211 based monoblock, and the idea sounds wonderful...claiming much of the qualities of a flea-watt amp matched to serious power (I run Maggies and KEF LS50, alternatively, no Lowthers here!)
The Coincident Dragons are the piece in question. But one of the features is a ground-lift switch. These 211s use crazy voltages, right? Is is safe to lift the ground of a 211 amp?
(Currently running TAD-1000 w/ Shuguang Black Treasure KT88s, in triode, 0 NFB)
Follow Ups:
Thanks for the input. I'll ask the manufacturer for further info, but I recall a DIY guy in an audio club I was in who talked about dangerous voltage issues, though I never connected it at the time with the 211s, so I thought it may be a good idea to ask around.
I think you already have the correct answers, just wanted to share something I'm doing that's not too far off where you're headed.
I sometimes run my Maggies (3.6's) with a pair of Cary 805 AE monos. It's a SET that can use either the 845 or 211 with a turn of a switch. I had an 845 SET before and thought highly of it and this is coming from a 300b/2a3 lover. I figured having the ability to use the 211 would just be a bonus but I prefer it to the 845. I still use the 845 and enjoy it but always happy when the 211 goes back in.
I think you will be in for a nice treat if you go the 211 route. Good luck.
That's interesting. I was told 845 was a "lesser sounding" tube as well but I have found that is definitely not the case. One dealer noted that the 845 was designed as an audio reproduction tube - the 211 was not. Don;t know if this is true - or that it matters since my favorite king of the world SET amp is the Ongaku/Gaku-On which are 211a but I wonder oif the dealer's statement was true historically.
Anyway - I have really loved the 845 amp I am using (310A and 300B driver tubes). Frankly I have liked most of the SET SEP tube types I've heard - 2A3, 300B, EL84, 211, 845 - they each bring something lovely to the table.
I've heard that about the 845 vs the 211 also. Also read they are both "transmitting tubes" but they are triodes and I like the sound of both of them.These Cary's, like your amp, also use a 300b to drive the output tube along with a pair of 6sn7's for input and gain in each mono. I'm sure the 300b is having an influence on my liking of the 211 so much.
Between these two tubes, the 211 reminds me more of a 2a3 in that I hear a little more extension (both high and low) with it and the 845 reminds me more of a 300b with it's great midrange.
As you say, "they each bring something lovely to the table."
Edits: 03/19/14
I am also very interested in the Dragon amps. If I ever make an amp change, this is the kind of amp I would be looking at. But I must admit to also being a bit concerned with the voltages these beasts carry.
I lift the ground on my Rogue Stereo 90 using an older PS Audio power cord. Totally removes any ground loop hum. I have heard some warnings not to do this, however in over 3 years never had any problems or zaps. I am sure Coincident would not have this feature if it made the amp risky or unsafe.
Most likely your pre-amp is grounded, therefore, your interconnect connecting the pre and the amp will also ground your amp. The ground lift switch is there is eliminate a potential ground loop when more than one grounding plane is encountered. If you do not notice any ground hum when the amp is grounded, leave it on.
I would suggest contacting Coincident as they are the ones who designed the amp and are in the best position to provide advice. Does the owner's manual make any reference?
When considering an amp with this kind of voltage, you should have a clear understanding of what you have in front of you. Contact the manufacturer with any questions regarding the amplifier in question. We are not talking 45 tubes here. The voltages from 211/845 tubes are lethal and should be respected and approached from a position of caution.
I can't answer the question directly but the lethal voltages is why Audio Note Kits doesn't offer a 211 kit.
Still I absolutely love their production 211a - the Gaku-on, Ongaku, Jinro.
Could not afford them so I have the LM 219IA which is 845 SET giving 24watts. I also have the KEF LS50 and it's quite a lovely match indeed. I must say I like the 211/845 a lot. With less sensitive speakers I think it's probably the way to go.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: