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Music Reference RM-10 with Quad ESLs

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I just wanted to post to say that I recently acquired a secondhand Music Reference RM-10, a little EL-84-based amp that some posters have recommended for the original Quad ESLs (ESL-57s). This amp works a treat - way better than various more expensive amps, both tube and solid state, that I've thrown at it.
I haven't had a chance to hear my Quads with Quad IIs or some of the other usual recommendations (VTL Tiny Triodes, or the unobtainium Bedini 25/25), but this combo is pure, luscious music-making... and not expensive.
Patrick

Follow Ups:

Re: Music Reference RM-10 with Quad ESLs - neolith 10:09:14 03/22/07 (0)
Second the comments on Roger Modjeski's designs. Remember he designed the amplifiers for the original Beveridge's so he knows what's up with electrostatics.

I may be an egoist but at least I don't talk about other people.
Roger designs quality stuff. I'd love to find an affordable RM-200 - HenryH 19:50:34 03/21/07 (22)
for my Maggies.

Henry
Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
- Linky thing..... - Ozzy 08:36:54 03/22/07 (1)
  .
  - This what U lookin' for? (Open in New Window)
  - Yep. But sale already pending. /nt\ - HenryH 10:27:04 03/22/07 (0)
    Henry
    Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
- What's wrong with the RM-200 that is on Agon right now? - Ozzy 08:35:28 03/22/07 (15)
  .. be advised though, the RM9 sounds better.
  
  Oz
  - Re: What's wrong with the RM-200 that is on Agon right now? - Fishfood 23:31:55 03/22/07 (13)
    True. The RM-9 is a better sounding amp. I owned both. Pretty easy decision to sell the RM200 when you really compare the two with the exact same equipment.
    - Well, I took a flyer and e-mailed Roger Modjeski last night. - HenryH 07:55:08 03/23/07 (12)
      This a.m. a reply was waiting in my mailbox. Seems he has some RM-9s laying around and quoted some interesting prices. He also has some Signature versions, but those are out of my price league. I can get an MKI at a good price. And since they are coming direct from him, you know they are on-spec. So, it looks like an RM-9 will be coming my way.
      
      Henry
      Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
      - Re: Well, I took a flyer and e-mailed Roger Modjeski last night. - Ozzy 09:33:35 03/23/07 (11)
        
        In Reply to: Well, I took a flyer and e-mailed Roger Modjeski last night. posted by HenryH on March 23, 2007 at 07:55:08:
        
        You will like that combination. A few years ago I had 1.6s with modded xovers being driven by an RM9. Excellent sound. I know what Roger is asking for those and considering the price they have been fetching on Agon, it is more than fair.
        
        Oz
        
        My only questions would be the size of the amp and inputs - HenryH 10:41:20 03/23/07 (10)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Well, I took a flyer and e-mailed Roger Modjeski last night. posted by Ozzy on March 23, 2007 at 09:33:35:
        
        I MUST place the amp on the bottom shelf of my equipment cabinet and max width is 18-18 1/2 inches. Max depth about the same. Ventilation no problem. Plenty of space above and open back on the cabinet. On the inputs, I know the RM-200 is balanced only. My pre outs are unbalanced RCA. Also, I'd probably have to get new speaker cables since all of mine are banana terminated. Alas, my disability precludes me re-terminating any cables.
        
        Henry
        Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
        
        Re: My only questions would be the size of the amp and inputs - Ozzy 11:08:38 03/23/07 (9)
        
        In Reply to: My only questions would be the size of the amp and inputs posted by HenryH on March 23, 2007 at 10:41:20:
        
        You should be fine on the rack size, the amp is not that deep. It has single ended only inputs. As for the binding posts, I hate the stock ones Roger uses on the RM9s. I had mine upgraded years ago. If I were you, I would have him put some of those nice copper posts on like he uses on the RM200. Now would be the perfect opportunity to do that.
        Oz
        
        I did some research and it seems the MKI 100 wpc version - HenryH 13:00:49 03/23/07 (8)
        
        In Reply to: Re: My only questions would be the size of the amp and inputs posted by Ozzy on March 23, 2007 at 11:08:38:
        
        is the preferred one over the 125 wpc MKII. Is that correct?
        I just ordered a set of speaker cables with spades at the amp end since all my cables are 100% bananas right now.
        
        Henry
        Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
        
        Re: I did some research and it seems the MKI 100 wpc version - Ozzy 15:32:38 03/23/07 (7)
        
        In Reply to: I did some research and it seems the MKI 100 wpc version posted by HenryH on March 23, 2007 at 13:00:49:
        
        I've heard that too. Mine was an original RM9, but mine was upgraded a few months ago. I have had other upgrades done by Kevin Carter @ K&K Audio. So it's hard for me to say whether that is true or not. Regardless, it is a classic amp in either iteration.
        Oz
        
        What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use - HenryH 15:54:26 03/23/07 (6)
        
        In Reply to: Re: I did some research and it seems the MKI 100 wpc version posted by Ozzy on March 23, 2007 at 15:32:38:
        
        KT88s, 6550s or EL34 output tubes? One better than the others? What about the input/driver tubes? Also biasing, is an external meter needed? Sorry to keep bugging you on this.
        
        Henry
        Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
        
        Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use - Ozzy 17:08:12 03/23/07 (5)
        
        In Reply to: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use posted by HenryH on March 23, 2007 at 15:54:26:
        
        Roger voiced the amp around the EL34. I tried 6550s early on and liked EL34s better. I am using Valve Arts myself. Better tone w/o giving up much if anything in bass control or dynamics.
        
        I have found Telefunken and Siemens input tubes to be good, but they aren't cheap. Buy the best you can afford for the two front positions, they are the most important.
        Oz
        
        Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use - Fishfood 22:00:34 03/23/07 (4)
        
        In Reply to: Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use posted by Ozzy on March 23, 2007 at 17:08:12:
        
        I found that Roger's tubes always sounded better than any NOS that I could afford. I also ran with the Sovtek 6550WE, which I liked better than the EL34s, but that was with Revel speakers. I went back to El34s (Roger's Seimens which were a lot of money) with my Quad ESL57s. Roger's a great guy and I had him personally check out my amp and do the current upgrades. I would buy anything from him with confidence.
        When you talk to him again, ask him about his electrostatic speakers. I heard a prototype once and I've never really heard anything I liked better since!
        
        He sent a pic of the new electrostatics in his first reply to me. /nt\ - HenryH 05:48:02 03/24/07 (2)
        
        In Reply to: Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use posted by Fishfood on March 23, 2007 at 22:00:34:
        
        Henry
        Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
        
        Post Them!!!! - Fishfood 10:09:25 03/24/07 (1)
        
        In Reply to: He sent a pic of the new electrostatics in his first reply to me. /nt\ posted by HenryH on March 24, 2007 at 05:48:02:
        
        I'm dying to see what he ended up with!
        
        Here it be. - HenryH 10:21:07 03/24/07 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Post Them!!!! posted by Fishfood on March 24, 2007 at 10:09:25:
        
        Henry
        Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
        
        Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use - Ozzy 03:38:19 03/24/07 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: What tubes have you found to sound best? Also, I see one can use posted by Fishfood on March 23, 2007 at 22:00:34:
        
        I haven't spoken to Roger in years, but another inmate has heard his speakers too and said they were great.
        Oz
  - Nothing. Sale already pending on it. Besides, I much prefer PayPal. /nt\ - HenryH 10:25:57 03/22/07 (0)
    Henry
    Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
- I used the RM-200 when I had 1.6's.................... - marko445 07:34:04 03/22/07 (3)
  and I really don't think there is a better tube amp for Maggies.
  - Re: I used the RM-200 when I had 1.6's.................... - HenryH 08:08:18 03/22/07 (2)
    If you ever see one on a'gon or elsewhere for, oh, in the $2.5K range, shoot me an e-mail. They almost never show up on the used market. Did you run balanced from your preamp or did you use an adapter? My Preamps are unbalanced only.
    
    Henry
    Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
    - I use the RM-200 with my 1.6's.................... - Beatlebum 12:07:34 03/22/07 (0)
      ...and a single ended Supratek Chenin preamp. I had Robert Lee at Acoustic Zen make me a RCA X XLR interconnect that has "pigtails" on the single end that I connect to the chassis screws on the Chenin. It sounds excellent. BTW, I purchased some Gold Lion KT-88 reissues from Jim McShane that really sound sweet in the RM-200.
      Tim
    - I'm running my 3.6's with RM-200 - Mike in NJ 10:06:26 03/22/07 (0)
      and it works great.
      Another poster here came by and had a listen and was immpressed.
      Its built like a tank and can play loud enough for me.
      Used to have it running my 1.6's before that.
      I got an audilble illusions pre wich is single ended and use cardas xlr adapters with it. Maybe down the road i'll get another one and bi-amp em.
      Good luck
      Mike

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