Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum


Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?

73.42.229.40

Posted on April 30, 2022 at 10:19:52
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
System uses JBL 4365 speakers and a pair of Velodyne HGS 12 subwoofers. Recently parted with my Halcro DM8 pre-amp, and my AVM Acoustic amps are in the shop after an unfortunate incident. So I am taking this time to reconsider amplification.

If the JBL stay here I am looking for candidates for new electronics. The Esoteric phono stage and SOTA and Scheu tables stay, as does the DAC.



I am shopping the used market and everything is wide open. Would consider spending about $7K on a pre-amp, and hopefully around the same for amp although I could go to $10K for the end game piece.

Given the JBL like a bit of current, it seems most SET amps don't have the drive for them, although something like a transmitter tube 211/845 might do the job. I was a SET head for a long time, so I am not sure how conventional push/pull tubes work for me. I also wonder about OTL with these speakers.

So anyone have any thoughts?

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on April 30, 2022 at 13:55:29
Class A single ended? Properly done that topology eliminates all the typical downsides of SS amps and avoids the hassles of finding and replacing tubes.

Even the lower powered PASS amp camp amps have a reputation for being muscular when configured as parallel mono, exactly doubling power from 8 to 4 ohms.

And their listening tests are renowned. I might use a tube preamp with even a Class A single ended SS power amp. But that is for the added harmonics, not harshness when it comes to class a single ended.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on April 30, 2022 at 14:12:13
Sibelius
Audiophile

Posts: 1364
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Joined: April 4, 2000
I'm very content with the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL Ultralinear+ integrated I recently purchased. It does lots of things my Wavelength 300B amp did, and gives me 20 watts vs. 8 from the Wavelength. They offer a selection of preamps, amps and integrateds built using David Berning designs, from 10 watts to 40 watts. Note, they are NOT OTL's, but do not use traditional output transformers.

I chose the integrated because I was putting together a living room system and needed to keep it simple, clutter free (minimal PC's and IC's), and light, I can't move monster amps around anymore. When I have a dedicated room again I'll go back and get the separates.

 

I should mention , posted on April 30, 2022 at 15:08:22
I do own and use both OTL and Class A amps: Transcendent Sound T8-LN 25wpc OTL and Musical Fidelity A1-2008 (class a 36 wpc).

I go back and forth regularly between them. For the mids and highs there is surprisingly little improvement with the OTL (but some).

For the bass: volume not much difference but the A1 is definitely more controlled in bass.

 

My recommendation: DIY Audio First Watt M2X Amplifier, posted on April 30, 2022 at 17:57:40
amandarae
Audiophile

Posts: 2591
Location: So.Cal
Joined: November 30, 2004
Eight amazing user swappable input cards to play with! PP Class A 25W, Mosfet.

You want the original Nelson Pass M2 topology? No problem, use the Ishikawa Card. You want to hear the amazing Diamond Buffer sound as an input buffer? Use the Austin Card. You want to experience a transconductance amplifier as input card (ala Parasound by John Curl JC-2 linestage amp!)? Use IPS6 and IPS 7! And so on and so on....it just keeps on giving!

With the type of speakers you have, 94dB at 6 ohms Z, I believe 25W is plenty!

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 05:51:15
Jack G
Audiophile

Posts: 9738
Joined: September 24, 1999
Since you have a reasonable budget, you have a lot of options. I can confidently recommend both Pass and Coda gear. You may also wish to consider some integrated amps. It's been too long since I've heard any decent tubed amps, so I'll leave that to others. As for SETs, I've spent 10 years in SET-land Including 845s, and don't think that's what you want. They just won't have the control you seem to want. That requires current. Right now, I don't recommend class D amp, because I don't think the technology has matured yet.
Take your time, and good luck.
Jack

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 06:43:38
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
Have you tried the Amp Camp Amp's?

At one time I was considering trying one. Mainly because I always wanted to try a Class A on a more long term basis other than having one pass through my hands.

My speakers are 89db but I don't listen to anything loud.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 08:08:47
Nelson keeps a scope on the outputs of his amp at his home so he can see exactly if and when clipping might occur while listening in real world scenario.

I plan to do the same soon for a while but probably not permanently. Nothing beats emperical data for informed decision making.

It should be very educational to see when and why it actually happens, if it ever does in my medium sized listening room.

My speakers are either (depending on my mood) Ref3A DeCapo I (90 db)or ELAC DBR Reference (87db), although I will be pulling my HSU powered sub out of storage soon and adding it to the system. Now that the wife is out I can do what the hell I want in the living room :)

I expect I will never see any clipping from my 140 wpc QUAD909, probably never from my 36 wpc Musical Fidelity A1, perhaps very sporadically from the 25 wpc OTL Tube amp. But we will see.

THD is another matter entirely of course. No way I know of to measure that in real time while real world listening unfortunately. But it certainly does increase in most amps with increaded output levels.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 09:17:15
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
My backup amp is a F7 that I currently have hooked up. It is a nice amp and I enjoy it, but with the JBL is can be a bit enthusiastic. With these speakers riding the edge of detail and resolution and tone and texture is a difficult balancing act.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 09:47:43
Sibelius
Audiophile

Posts: 1364
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Joined: April 4, 2000
"riding the edge of detail and resolution"

Sounds like my little Avalons. Crazy as people tell me it was, the Wavelength 300B made them sound best to my ears in my small space. When I was looking at new amps I seriously considered another 300B (the Wavelength is old and has some issues, and no remote) but I also wanted something less than 50lbs. That was a tall order and I just couldn't find one that met all my criteria. That's when I read the reviews of the LTA amps and gave them a shot. Most of what I got from the 300B is there, tone, texture, depth (and my current setup is BAD) so I am pleased.

 

RE: My recommendation: DIY Audio First Watt M2X Amplifier, posted on May 1, 2022 at 09:58:43
Gary
Audiophile

Posts: 1290
Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000
I second this recommendation. Paired with my Cary Audio SLP-05 preamp and Jean-Marie Reynaud Offrande Supreme V2 speakers (91db) the sound is the best I've ever had in my home. I know that DIY isn't for everyone but the reward was a truly great amp for far less than it would have cost as a factory-built product.

 

RE: My recommendation: DIY Audio First Watt M2X Amplifier, posted on May 1, 2022 at 11:13:46
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
Sorry I am not DIYing an amp. Don't have the experience, work area, or time. So that is a non-starter.

 

RE: My recommendation: DIY Audio First Watt M2X Amplifier, posted on May 1, 2022 at 11:23:05
Gary
Audiophile

Posts: 1290
Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000
Understood. Good luck.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 12:37:37
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
I have considered keeping the AVM Audio amps in place as they are some of the nicest SS amps I have heard. I think they are fundamentally sound.

I have considered adding a tube pre amp, but it has to mute output at start up because the SS amps will be on 24/7. I have thought of an ARC REF 5 SE, or an Allnic, or BAT. But not sure which one to explore as I have not heard the BAT or Allnic, and to be honest the last ARC stack on Vandersteens we're disappointing.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 1, 2022 at 12:59:30
Jack G
Audiophile

Posts: 9738
Joined: September 24, 1999
Since the AVM is getting fixed, and you clearly like it, I say stick with it. I can't help you with preamps, I haven't auditioned any in a long time-I prefer integrated amps.
Jack

 

My advice to you is...-, posted on May 1, 2022 at 21:49:09
raingerz
Audiophile

Posts: 542
Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: July 20, 2013
Stick with the AVMs. I've always been impressed with them at the audio shows I've attended. Why spend money if you don't have to?

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 2, 2022 at 00:44:34
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

I think your speakers sit around 93dB sensitive maybe a bit less away from walls so you shouldn't need all that much power - I'd go with the instinct - SET amplifiers IME sound the best.

From reading your post it seems to me you are saying you have $7k for a preamp and $7k for a power amp $14k but you could go up to $10k for the end game (each?) for $20k total?

I am currently thinking of getting the Audio Note Jinro integrated amplifier that can also be used as a power amplifier. The Jinro is the "Baby Ongaku" and is the copper wired version of the Ongaku (same topology). The list price of a new Jinro is $32,000 USD but there are second-hand ones available for under your budget. I had what I referred to as the poor man's Jinro in the Line Magnetic 219IA (no longer made) which used the 845.

I am also considering the new Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister 300b - the best 300B Integrated I have heard. This can be purchased in several versions and as separates (M2 preamp and P3 power amp) which falls within your budget. But at 8 watts, as robust as it is - by far the best bass and drive I have heard from a 300B, it's still only 8 watts.

Unfortunately, they're both big and heavy.

I don't know if I can swing the Jinro but we'll see.


 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 2, 2022 at 11:43:27
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
I have trialed an 811 based SET amp on it that produced 18 watts per channel and it was not enough current to control those woofers. From what I heard it would take a higher power SET amp to do this, probably 211 or 845 based amps.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 2, 2022 at 12:38:30
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
That is the reason that I and others Bi-Amp..... You pick out an Inexpensive Class 'D' amp for the Woofers and then a 45 SET amp for the Rest. No problems with Power anymore.



 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 2, 2022 at 20:41:55
Elixir63
Audiophile

Posts: 96
Location: North Coast
Joined: April 19, 2021
I would pair a n American Hybrid Technology line/phono preamp with a Cary CAD 805 or VAC renaissance.The Cary 805 with 845 tubes, the VAC is SEPP.Similar power output.Once you hear the 805,it is a hard experience to forget.
Both amps offer varying negative feedback, to tune your woofer damping.
After a long search of "pres",I stumbled across the AHT,neutral with almost tube harmonics, very quiet and no signature to speak of.
AHT >>$4500 and $7-8K for Cary.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 2, 2022 at 20:42:25
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
Without seeing the impedance of the JBL speakers it's a bit odd they would require so much power - my speakers are 95dB sensitive(6ohm) and 92dB not in corners. I think it's not the watts but also the quality of the output transformers.

I remember comparing the Audio Note Meishu 8 watter, a Cary 300B SET 8 watter using the same 300B tubes and the Meishuu had FAR superior bass and dynamics. AN uses much better and beefier transformers than most. It blew away the store's other more powerful push pull tube amplifiers as well - Jolida, Antique Sound Labs, McIntosh. Bryston at 160 watts sounded thin and reedy and lacked weight in comparison as well.

I am not a tech-head so I can't explain why this was because to me I would assume the 160-watt amp would have more bass response and drive - it sorta did but in a narrow frequency range.

I have 430-watt class D amps (4ohms) and they make no gains over my 8-watt 2a3 monoblocks on my speakers which seem similar in numbers to yours.

I do like Cut-Throat's suggestion because I love the 45 sound. I like the Jinro mighty 211 - but it's quite expensive.

Good luck on your hunt. Getting a big power SET tends to be pricey.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 3, 2022 at 06:32:02
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
It has been awhile since I have had the F7 hooked up to the JBL, and it takes that amplifier a good week to settle in. It finally turned the corner last night, and is sounding nice on the JBL. This is a 35 wpc push pull from Nelson, and it is enough power to hit the volume levels I need with the JBL. It is not a Class A amplifier, but nevertheless quite nice for SS. Makes me think that Class A SS is not a bad choice either.

One higher output SET amplifier I have always been curious about is NAT Audio. You do see them on the pre-owned market once in a while in the US. The other viable option are the big Cary amps based on the 805 or 211 tubes. Line Magnetic seems like another option. I don't know that I can find a Kondo based amp on the used market that I can afford. I am adverse to buying from Audio Note of the UK based on what happened with the company and its relationship with Audio Note of Japan. Perhaps my understanding of the situation is incomplete, but I have a hard time supporting them.

Ever listen to the NAT stuff?

 

Actually..., posted on May 3, 2022 at 08:18:37
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37470
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
April 5, 2002
This is a 35 wpc push pull from Nelson, and it is enough power to hit the volume levels I need with the JBL. It is not a Class A amplifier, but nevertheless quite nice for SS.

It is a Class A amp. And rated output is 20 watts into 8 ohms and 30 into 4 ohms. Ever read the manual?

"The F7, a nice little Class A amplifier with hardly any feedback does not have the brute force advantage. It resorts to a stratagem that makes the dance a little more like a Tango."

 

RE: Actually..., posted on May 3, 2022 at 09:19:48
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
This is from the First Watt website.

"The F7 is a very unique power amplifier, a two-stage push-pull JFET/MOSFET

topology with fewer parts than any First Watt amplifier to date and incorporating

a very interesting balance of very low negative voltage feedback and a little bit of

positive current feedback to give an astonishing measure of control over reactive

loudspeaker loads."

There are different implementtions of Class A. I typically think of it as having the output transistors amplify the whole waveform and never turning off.

This is a push pull amplifier, so the transistor is not amplifying the whole wave form. Now the transistor may stay on during the entire waveform and not amplify the signal and can still be considered Class A. But it not what I typically think of a Class A amp....and to me the F7 is a push pull amp and not what fits the definition of Class A

"The Class A amplifier is the simplest form of power amplifier that uses a single switching transistor in the standard common emitter circuit configuration as seen previously to produce an inverted output. The transistor is always biased "ON" so that it conducts during one complete cycle of the input signal waveform producing minimum distortion and maximum amplitude of the output signal."

The F7 does not meet this criteria since it does not conduct one complete cycle of the waveform.

 

Why then, posted on May 3, 2022 at 09:33:02
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37470
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
April 5, 2002
does Nelson (who writes all the manuals) say not once but *twice* (did you actually read the manual?) that it is? BTW, just click the embedded link I provided to read it.

Here's his second quote in the manual:

"Conclusion
In case you haven't noticed, I enjoy amplifiers with some personality. They don't have to measure perfect, they just have to sound good. This is a very simple little Class A amplifier with lots of personality, and I hope you enjoy it as I do.

Nelson Pass
12/5/16"


Sheesh!

 

RE: Why then, posted on May 3, 2022 at 10:16:41
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
I am not going to sit here and argue whether the amp is Class A or not. I have the manual and the box in my living room. Yes I have read it. I have talked with Nelson about the amp specifically. It is a Push Pull amp, and it is biased in Class A. But it is not a traditional Class A amp where the transistors amplify the whole waveform. That is a fact. Now you can debate semantics if you want, but it won't be with me.

 

RE: Why then, posted on May 3, 2022 at 10:31:04
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37470
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
April 5, 2002
I am not going to sit here and argue whether the amp is Class A or not.

I'm sure Nelson Pass would have a big grin on his face as you tell him he doesn't know what class A operation is. ;)


 

My unwelcome advise (?), posted on May 3, 2022 at 11:06:48
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9794
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since:
March 12, 2004
Add all your 2nd order distortion, (what's SETs are famous for), at the preamp stage. (It ought to be needless to say you weren't getting that from your Halco preamp.) Conrad Johnson preamps, (for example), are well-known for producing lots of pleasant 2nd order distortion.

Downstream stick to ultra low distortion power amp such as the Benchmark or Purifi-based amp -- potentially you'll save a crapload of money while having enough power to drive anything.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

I like the "save a crapload of money" part...., posted on May 3, 2022 at 15:34:07
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46200
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
....which is what I did when I needed a ton of power for my power hungry Thiel speakers.



 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 3, 2022 at 18:44:52
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
There are two sides to the story regarding AN UK and Kondo. I have read both sides - I side with Peter's (AN UK's) case and subsequent interviews.
What surprised me was that it was AN UK that wanted to pursue SET amplifiers while Kondo was pushing 2a3. Peter's reply on this matter was made to this forum over 20 years ago (linked).

But there are other companies as you note from Line Magnetic and NAT and I would add Melody Valve Audio which seems quite underrated to me. And of course, as you note Kondo amps are still available.

I have not been a fan of Threshold or Pass Labs - I prefer First Watt but then if I am going to take a lower-powered First Watt SIT amp that is a "SET-Like" sound I'd rather just get a real SET amp. The latter has the ability to tube roll.

 

Yes..Check this out, posted on May 3, 2022 at 18:50:24
Freo-1
Audiophile

Posts: 1308
Location: Florida
Joined: June 14, 2008
Ralph at Atma-Sphere says their new GaN FET amps sound even better than their OTL amps.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"

Satchel Paige

 

RE: I like the "save a crapload of money" part...., posted on May 3, 2022 at 20:00:04
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3350
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
September 4, 2000
Here's an even bigger "crapload of money" saved. Schiit Freya+( NOS 6SN7's) and the Classdaudio Mini GaN 3. Easily under $2K total IF you can find 4 nice NOS or ANOS 6SN7's. Works wonders with speakers in the low 90's and up in efficiency. ( 125 watts into 8/, 175 watts into 4) I like this amp (and combo) a lot and I'm a tube guy with two P-P's and an SET.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 3, 2022 at 21:01:25
Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16200
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
March 1, 1999
Are you up in the Tri-Cities? I could be thinking of someone else.

SS works really well with Hi-Eff speakers, just don't break your ear drums.

Pass seems like something I'd love to try. But for my ~96db Altecs, McIntosh MC-30s were perfect, current control for the woofer and still having a sweet midrange. I used SETs for a long time and I don't see any of them working for you.

It seems to me that you'll need 30-40 watts. SS isn't a bad thing.



-Rod

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 3, 2022 at 23:14:03
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
Hi Rod, its been a long while since we ever chatted here.

Wife and I left the Tri-Cities about 6 years ago and moved to Olympia. We grew up in this area, and she had gotten a position with WA State Dept of Health at the capital. So we decided to come back this way.

So yes that is me the Tri Cities Pig. When we bought this house I decided to get a pair of JBL 4365 thinking they would be SET friendly. I was wrong. Do enjoy the speakers, but so far the best sound I have gotten out of them is with a hybrid integrated from Musical Fidelity. The blend of Nuvistors in the pre-amp stage and transistors for amplification had a lot of positive characteristics. Makes me consider trying a tube pre-amp with the AVM Audio amps I have. I just picked them up from the shop, no major problems just a couple of resistors to replace, we are running and as good as new. Of course the amps need a few days to stabilize, but even after an evening of playing music they are heading in the right direction.

Unless I do higher powered tubes, I don't think anything lower powered is going to work. It would have to be 211 or 845 based tubes, and I am not sure I want to go there as they are expensive and I am not sure its going to be a sound I want to hear. If I am going to add a splash of tubiness I think I will do it at the pre-amp. Probably something based on 6SN7 tubes.

 

Judging by Asylum discussions, Ralph understand the issues, posted on May 4, 2022 at 04:09:35
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9794
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since:
March 12, 2004
That's is, harmonic distortion spectra profiles. I'd love to try his GaN amp, although for now I'll stick with my advice to add your 2nd order HD at the preamp stage.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: I like the "save a crapload of money" part...., posted on May 4, 2022 at 06:31:18
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46200
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

Interesting. Looks like Classdaudio now has a more powerful Mini GaN 5 that costs only a little more.



 

But beware ..., posted on May 4, 2022 at 07:03:41
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9794
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since:
March 12, 2004
ASR's review of the Mini GaN 5 was quite negative, (see link below). Issues included high distortion, high load sensitivity, and failure to meet specifications.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: But beware ..., posted on May 4, 2022 at 08:08:38
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3350
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
September 4, 2000
I dismissed that negative review long ago by simply listening to the amp. If it would have failed that test, it would have been returned. I think they also gave a negative review to a much pricier GaN amp. Maybe the one sold by Underwood, but I'm not sure. Bottom line is that all my testing is done by ear. I'm sure my SET would receive a negative review spec-wise as well. I really have little use for that site to be honest, but it's an each to his own hobby and of course, YMMV.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 4, 2022 at 08:21:21
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9160
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
Used KR Audio Kronzilla SXi or a real left-field choice:

Amplifon SET42se

https://www.hifitest.de/test/vollverstaerker/amplifon-amplifon-set-42-se-14367

It is literally a beast (120 lbs.) and makes a true 40 watts from the GM70 triode.

I have this amp and I can tell you it will drive your speakers beautifully and it's transparency and punch is hard to beat... in Europe it is 11.5K euro...a bit over budget but worth it.

 

RE: I like the "save a crapload of money" part...., posted on May 4, 2022 at 08:32:21
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3350
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
September 4, 2000
Yes, if one needs more power, that's a no-brainer for an additional $100.
In my case, the two speakers I use in this particular set-up are both simple loads 94db and above in efficiency. The "3" in this case is plenty adequate. What's most surprising is that after over a month of listening, I'm in no hurry to put either of my tube amps back in the system.

 

All is fair, posted on May 4, 2022 at 13:58:44
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9794
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since:
March 12, 2004
What we hear is the final arbitrator.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 4, 2022 at 17:11:29
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23874
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
January 29, 2004
I bought a pair of PS Audio Stellar M1200 monoblock amplifiers a couple of years ago and they sound spectacular in my system driving my Thiel CS3.7 speakers. I had been using a Parasound Halo A21 power amplifier before buying the PS Audio amplifiers and the improvement was substantial. Anyway, PS Audio just announced a sale on their Stellar line of audio components so I thought you might be interested.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 4, 2022 at 18:58:49
Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16200
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
March 1, 1999
Yeah, 211 and 845 tubes are way too dear. Hard to find good ones and most are unattainable at any reasonable price. I went the other way, first with a Dynaco and then to the Macs after hearing Pete and Stephen's with their Altecs. The MC-30s have the control and I don't miss any of the SET magic. I don't know if it's the 6L6s or as John, my tech, says, 'it's the trannies.'

OTOH, I've been running SS on my EdgarHorns and don't miss it either though, truth be told, I switch out the 45s to my DR-9 so I could leave it on and the wife could just turn on the TV without having to turn on the amps.

The AVMs looking interesting. Which model for you have?

BTW: I changed out my BAT VK-5i to my office and got an Ayre K-5 Twenty preamp and it's fantastic with a SS amp and my EdgarHorns. The Ayre is transparent and musical, like a tube preamp, without the need to replace tubes.


-Rod

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 5, 2022 at 08:52:46
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
Hi Rod

The AVM amplifiers I have are the AMP Essential Monoblocks, which were from the company before the fellow from Burmester Audio bought them. These were not even widely imported to the US, they were brought in by an East Coast dealer for a company and the owner damaged one somehow. When back in the dealers possession he passed away and the amps sat on a shelf forgotten. Someone I knew bought them and had them repaired. He eventually went the SET route and I bought them on a whim. They sound very nice after about 48 hours of warm up. These are some of the more satisfying SS gear I have heard, linear, refined, no weird tonal aberrations, and just natural sounding.

Will look at the Ayre pre-amps, they sound like what I am looking for. Also found out Klyne Audio Arts is still producing pre-amps and they are about 30 minutes from my home. Going to reach out and see what Stan is doing.

Thanks for the info!

 

RE: All is fair, posted on May 5, 2022 at 09:20:18
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3350
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
September 4, 2000
You bet. But in most cases,(mine included) it takes some time and experience to separate from reviews/reviewers and trust one's own ear. As you say, the final arbitrator.

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 5, 2022 at 16:01:35
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
any reason you would NOT like an EL34 amp? Or perhaps a 6550 / KT88 ?

I've been looking at the VTA KITS from 35x2 to 125 Monos.......

You should be able to power your JBLs with one of them...

If you have deceent soldering skills and can follow what appear to be well written directions? 6
Too much is never enough

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 6, 2022 at 06:24:12
Mister Pig
Audiophile

Posts: 535
Joined: September 21, 1999
I thought I answered this question earlier. I do not have the experience, space, or time to DIY a kit. It is not going to happen.

 

RE: All is fair, posted on May 17, 2022 at 12:11:16
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9160
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
Then why the continued references to a site that judges quality strictly by measurements?

 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 28, 2022 at 10:12:29
Khorn
Audiophile

Posts: 397
Location: Toronto
Joined: September 24, 1999
Believe it or not I'd suggest checking out the Amplifier I'm using now. The Alluxity Power One Stereo amplifier:


 

RE: Considering A Change In Electronics? Any Recommendations?, posted on May 29, 2022 at 23:40:45
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
Sorry.....didn't mean to touch a nerve!
Kits are admitedly not for everyone......

But in fairness to the kit approach? (I know this isn't you) An experienced builder should be able to build one of the VTA stereo amp kits in maybe 10 hours.

I'd double that and say.....3x or so days at 6 hours each. To avoid burnout.....
Too much is never enough

 

Page processed in 0.051 seconds.