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Canary Audio CA160 Question

24.46.184.66
Posted on November 1, 2009 at 19:00:07
terrapin
Audiophile

Posts: 110
Location: ny
Joined: November 22, 2005
 Can any owners of this amp comment on the sonic differences they have found between its ultralinear and triode mode?
Thanks in advance.

RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 2, 2009 at 02:35:02
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 5218
Joined: September 21, 1999
 I find that in my system the amps sound better in UL than triode. I think this has more to do with the music I mainly listen to, the speakers I am driving, and the volume I like than the performance of the amp itself. For small scale stuff I could listen in triode, but still feel the sound is slightly more "real" in UL.

Fantastic amps, BTW.


Oz



Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 2, 2009 at 04:23:26
terrapin
Audiophile

Posts: 110
Location: ny
Joined: November 22, 2005
 1. Do you listen to any vocal music, i.e., things like Willie Nelson or Joni Mitchell? If so, on this type of music, do you feel UL mode leaves you a bit cold, or is there still good emotional connection with the music?
2. Can you switch between modes without having to first turn amps off?
3. What EL34's are you running with amp? Have you done any tube rolling?
4. Ever hear a Manley Neo-Classic 250 to know how it compares to the Canary?
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 3, 2009 at 02:45:28
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 5218
Joined: September 21, 1999
 1 Vocals still sound very good in UL. Not cold at all.

2 You can switch with the amps powered.

3 I am using Valve Art EL34s. I have also used EH 6CA7s which are good, but slightly prefer the tone of the VA.

4 I have owned Manley Reference 160 monoblocks and these are better. Not heard the 250s, but would love to.

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 3, 2009 at 06:33:52
terrapin
Audiophile

Posts: 110
Location: ny
Joined: November 22, 2005
 Thanks for your response.
One last question - What has been your preamplifier experience with these amps?
I see you are running a passive pre right now.
Is there a reason you preferred it to your Ultraverve?

RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 3, 2009 at 15:18:48
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 5218
Joined: September 21, 1999
 The input sensitivity and voltage gain of these amps make them the perfect match for a passive device. I have sold the SE PLC and now have a Bent TAP-X which mates wonderfully.

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

RE: Canary Audio CA160 Question, posted on November 4, 2009 at 13:14:36
terrapin
Audiophile

Posts: 110
Location: ny
Joined: November 22, 2005
 Thanks!

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