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In Reply to: RE: amp for klipsch cf 3 posted by rws on November 12, 2014 at 17:06:04
Just to get the ball rolling.
I am CLEARLY not an authority on tube amps. But I am an authority on what I've heard and liked. With the exception of some high end, rare and plain just too expensive pieces, here it goes.
Vintage is an option with one caveat. They SHOULD be rebuilt professionally. After rebuilding they are usually better than when they were new. Upgraded technology in materials and a tweaking of the circuit can be used to smooth out some minor shortcomings of some really great designs.
New tube amps have a different slant. Just -MY- opinion but here it goes. A lot of the newer gear I've listened to, and please note that this was over 15 years ago, strived to sound more like a good solid state amp. Why - I'm not really sure???? But is seemed like they were using tubes but had to get all that nasty -tubey- sound out of the system.
Some of the pro's and con's:
New has remote control options.
No need to be restored.
Can get very pricey
Warranted by manufacturer
Old can be retrofitted for remote volume. I've done it.
If rebuilt will most likely last longer than a new amp.
warranty usually by the person who rebuilt it. Which I trust more than a company warranty.
Better bang for the buck.
In my personal opinion they sound MUCH better - more like real music.
Short list:
ST-70 with a Placette passive.
Follow Ups:
The Sherwood S-5000 is tough to beat.The Latino is very good if you need more power..There is kind of a misconception about the Latino amps.They are built on a dynaco chassis but that's where it ends.These are much better amps than the Dynaco amps were and the transfer characteristics of the iron is superior to the original Dynaco.
"
I am also impressed with the Bob Latino amps. A bargain for the cost.I just completed a ST-120 & installed the 12BH7 board with K40Y-9, RCA 12BH7s and a few upgrades raising the 12BH7 plate voltage & current into a more linear part of the plate curves. Four matched Golden Lion KT-88s was supplied by Jim McShane.
It reminds me of a rebuilt Citation II- neutral and accurate sounding.
Edits: 11/15/14
Oh yes
You are part of the correctness of sound club like myself,Jim McShane,Eli,Don Sachs,and several others where we want a touch of euphoria but not excessive to where it kills the correctness of the music.
"
Eli explains it as some 'chime'. Perfect word. Like a church bell, a very powerful sound.
Since the ST-70 was mentioned, how does Van Alstines' Ultravalve stack up? He's fairly close to me. I imagine I could use this with a passive volume control correct? Pardon me if I new to some of this especially the passive equip. I only plan to have one source so no need for switching inputs.
Thanks
Like Charles said,use good quality passive components such as the goldpoint.The Van Alstine stuff although very good is also very pricey..The Latino stuff is the bargain of the century and beyond,especially if you assemble it yourself.
"
If you go passive make sure you go with a stepped attenuator. Not a traditional volume pot. It makes a BIG difference.
Placette or Goldpoint with a remote.
I don't know much about the VanAlstines. The little bit I do know is I liked the EL34 over the KT88 tubes. If you need the power, which I don't think is the issue, the KT88 is over kill.
charles
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