AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: jd3 on 26 Dec 2010, 09:34 pm
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I'm looking to upgrade the amp I'm using for my HT-1 TL's. I currently have a Forte 4A, and though the amp provides detail I'd not heard with the previous amp I'd had hooked up (Outlaw 7500), my wife mentioned the other day that it sounds kind of thin to her...so, apparently it's time for a new amp!! The Outlaw provided a lot of punch but not as much refinement. At this point, I'm looking for something that can provide some additional bass but don't want to give up the refinement and detail I have now. My pre is a BAT 3i, so I'd like something with balanced inputs and solid state vs.tubes. I've been looking at Wyred amps, or perhaps one of Tommy's (DAC) amps. Any suggestions from current HT1-TL owners? Oh, and my budget is around $1800 new or used. Thanks for any suggestions.
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My first choice would be the DAC Cherry Jr. You could also consider an AVA Fet Valve 350 or Ultravalve, Odyssey Stratos Extreme
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You know what I have for you!
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Own STRT's and really quite content with W4S ST-500. Well worth considering at your price point.
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You know what I have for you!
Yeah, but I don't know if I can wait til you decide to upgrade! Besides, I'm starting to wonder if I want a 100 lb. amp to move. I'd still consider it though.
Thanks for suggestions so far. I've corresponded with Klaus, but not sure of the cost to upgrade Frank's amps to balanced inputs. On the Class D front I also looked at Red Dragon's amps (great price) and D-Sonic (which supposedly are sourced by Wyred).
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I am VERY happy with my Odyssey Stratos Extreme (mono blocks). I think they have provided exactly what you are looking for with my setup (HT2-TLs). I was surprised at the level of change going from my previous Emotiva amp and then to a Parasound 2250. The Odyssey was really a huge improvement.
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I am VERY happy with my Odyssey Stratos Extreme (mono blocks). I think they have provided exactly what you are looking for with my setup (HT2-TLs).
You're saying that one can find them at the OP's $1800 price point?
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You're saying that one can find them at the OP's $1800 price point?
Yep.
That's about what I sold a pair for a while back.
George
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You're saying that one can find them at the OP's $1800 price point?
Yup. I purchased mine under 3 years old for quite a bit less than that (although I admit I stole them :wink: ). A used stereo Stratos would be much cheaper.
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I own one of the first few pairs of the HT1-TLs, and I can strongly recommend a pair of Wyred4Sound Monoblocks. I have the SX-1000s, but if you're sticking strictly to the $1800 price then a pair of SX-500s will do nicely. I expect that I don't really need the 500 watts per channel, but the amps are compact and run cool, so I went ahead and got the extra power. They control the HT1-TLs effortlessly and provide beautifully tuneful bass as well as nuance and subtlety when the music requires it. I will not be worrying about amps for a long time, and when you get ready, the STP-SE preamplifier is really wonderful as well.
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I own one of the first few pairs of the HT1-TLs, and I can strongly recommend a pair of Wyred4Sound Monoblocks. I have the SX-1000s, but if you're sticking strictly to the $1800 price then a pair of SX-500s will do nicely.
Thanks for the input. Good to know they work well with the HT1-TL's. I'm kind of leaning toward class d amps, and the Wyred's have been recommended to me before.
John
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Used BAT or Parasound Halo A21.
My advice would be to stay away from the Digital amps. It's only my opinion, but I feel that they add color, and some roll off the top end. YMMV.
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I currently have a D-Sonic Amp driving my HT-3's and Center, 525 watts/channel and nothing has sounded better, beautiful tight bass with sparkling highs and a huge 3D soundstage.
I previously had a Parasound Halo that just didn't cut it, very harsh sounding with a small soundstage and no depth.
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I currently own and use three Parasound Halo amps, A21, A51 and A23. The A21 and A51 are a step-up from the A23 with more power and more watts in Class A operation. IMHO, I have experienced few amps in the same price range that offer sound more lifelike than the Parasound Halo A21 and A51. In my experience, with the right preamp and source the A23 offers excellent value providing a solid soundstage and clear imaging with my SongTowers, albeit with less power in reserve for difficult loads or inefficient speakers.
Bill@LakeGeorge clearly had a different experience with his Halo amp. He did not report which Halo amp model he used or the preamp. Harsh sound and limited soundstage may also be attributable to a poor match between the preamp and amp. YMMV.
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Well I had the A51 paired with a Halo C2 processor, beautiful to look at but horrible to listen to.
This hobby offers many options to choose that sound good in certain invironments, but for someone who has heard none of the options they offer is :duh: :duh: :duh:
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By the way I currently have a Anthem D2v paired with the D-Sonic Magnum 2000 and that combonation along with the Anthem Room Correction software will be my system for a long time.
There is nothing like it.
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This hobby offers many options to choose that sound good in certain invironments, but for someone who has heard none of the options they offer is :duh: :duh: :duh:
System synergy is what makes it happen, which is why it's so hard to drop a lot of cash on a well regarded brand amp and then be disappointed in it's performance. :( I've considered all of the amps mentioned, and I guess at this point it will be deciding over the next month or so which way to go. More suggestions are welcome though! Thanks.
John
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I bought a Parasound Classic 5250 early this year and have been extremely pleased with it. It certainly doesn't sound "harsh" nor is it lacking in soundstage width/depth. I have it paired with an Anthem AVM20 processor.
Currently I'm not using Salk speakers (using ADS L1290), but that will change next month (HT2-TL on order :D).
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Parasound amp.
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Well I had the A51 paired with a Halo C2 processor, beautiful to look at but horrible to listen to.
Thanks for sharing your experience. My own experience differs. I have a Halo C2 processor connected to Halo A51 and A21 amps powering Von Schweikert speakers in a 7.1 system that I and most guests agree provides excellent music reproduction. Synergies with different speakers and the inherent subjectivity of the audio experience may explain our contrasting opinions.
There are numerous very positive professional reviews of the Halo C2 and A51, both individually and in combination. See for example, http://www.ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/1003parasound/ (http://www.ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/1003parasound/) Your negative assessment gives truth to the old adage that there is no substitute for evaluating equipment in your system and listening room and judging it for yourself.
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Okay, I'm throwing my .02 into the mix.
I have a pair of SongTowers that I've run with a few different set-ups.
First was a AVA Insight Amp/T8 pre/Insight DAC combo. This was a very nice sounding set-up but I found it very forward and I experienced listener fatigue after approx. 20 min. There was a harshness to the treble that just did a number on my ears.
I bought a Vista Audio i34 next. I really enjoyed the smoothness of this little integrated. Great imaging and fullness without the harshness. What I missed was the authority in which the AVA gear just brought the bottom end out. I still own this amp and will probably use it for a second system sometime in the future.
I'm now running a Wyred ST500 Amp/DAC 2 combo. This set-up gives me the tube-like sound of the i34 (yes, I was surprised of this too!) with the nice tight, authoritative bottom end. It drives the SongTowers with ease, and really makes them sing. I'll be keeping this system together for a long time.
I was very apprehensive about going class D, but now I'm glad I made the switch!
Doug
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By the way I currently have a Anthem D2v paired with the D-Sonic Magnum 2000 and that combonation along with the Anthem Room Correction software will be my system for a long time.
There is nothing like it.
Well I had the A51 paired with a Halo C2 processor, beautiful to look at but horrible to listen to.
This hobby offers many options to choose that sound good in certain invironments, but for someone who has heard none of the options they offer is :duh: :duh: :duh:
And I've heard that D-sonic in my system (and others) and thought IT was not a good amp. To each their own.
This is a good example of why you need to audition, preferably in your own system. Good luck to you, jd3.
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It's sure a difficult choice with so many 'flavors' of amps out there. I'd really like to find an amp that I can live with long term without having to go through amp after amp (and lots of $$) til I find the right one. But, as is obvious, what works for one person doesn't for the next. The search goes on.....
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Do you have any local AV shops around, jd3? Take a Saturday this month and make it an audition day. Also, websites like Audio Advisor allow a 30-day trial period, so if you aren't satisfied you can get a refund.
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I'd really like to find an amp that I can live with long term without having to go through amp after amp (and lots of $$).
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :inlove:
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Given your budget, there are limited choices. I also know you have a smaller room and you really don;t need many watts for those speakers in that room. There was a nice pair of Quicksilver monos for $1300: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1297366087&/Quicksilver-Audio-MONO-100-mon
Here is a nice pair of Monarchy monos: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1296762783&/Monarchy-Audio-SE100-Mono-Amps
I've got some balanced cables I can sell you that are long.
I would buy these Rogues w/o hesitation: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1299086764&/Rogue-Audio-M-120-Magnum-Mono-
They won't last the day.
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Do you have any local AV shops around, jd3? Take a Saturday this month and make it an audition day. Also, websites like Audio Advisor allow a 30-day trial period, so if you aren't satisfied you can get a refund.
Not anymore. I would have to take a road trip. I've bought from AA before (they are fairly local to me), but they really don't have anything I'm considering in my price range. I may reconsider my budget and see if I can 'reach' some more.
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Given your budget, there are limited choices. I also know you have a smaller room and you really don;t need many watts for those speakers in that room. There was a nice pair of Quicksilver monos for $1300: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1297366087&/Quicksilver-Audio-MONO-100-mon
Here is a nice pair of Monarchy monos: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1296762783&/Monarchy-Audio-SE100-Mono-Amps
I've got some balanced cables I can sell you that are long.
I would buy these Rogues w/o hesitation: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1299086764&/Rogue-Audio-M-120-Magnum-Mono-
They won't last the day.
Thanks Pete.
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Wow, that's a great price on those Rogue monoblocks...
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To expand on Big Red Machine's post........The Rogue M-120 Magnum is exactly what you asked for in your post (I own a pair for around 5 years).....the Quicksilver amps are "very" nice sounding (I listened to a pair of V4's) before I bought my Rogues a few years back.
My Rogues replaced my long time Krell amp....they have Krell like bass (the smaller Krells of course).........something the Quicksilver can't do, and the only reason I passed on them (they are more tubeeeee sounding than the Rogue amps)....not a bad thing if you don't have fullrange speakers IMO.
I own an Outlaw MC amp.....great for the price.
Dave
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Okay, I'm throwing my .02 into the mix.
I have a pair of SongTowers that I've run with a few different set-ups.
First was a AVA Insight Amp/T8 pre/Insight DAC combo. This was a very nice sounding set-up but I found it very forward and I experienced listener fatigue after approx. 20 min. There was a harshness to the treble that just did a number on my ears.
I bought a Vista Audio i34 next. I really enjoyed the smoothness of this little integrated. Great imaging and fullness without the harshness. What I missed was the authority in which the AVA gear just brought the bottom end out. I still own this amp and will probably use it for a second system sometime in the future.
I'm now running a Wyred ST500 Amp/DAC 2 combo. This set-up gives me the tube-like sound of the i34 (yes, I was surprised of this too!) with the nice tight, authoritative bottom end. It drives the SongTowers with ease, and really makes them sing. I'll be keeping this system together for a long time.
I was very apprehensive about going class D, but now I'm glad I made the switch!
Doug
Very interesting, baumer. I also auditioned* an AVA pre-amp and amp combination (AvaStar and FetValve Ultra+ 550 with double die option), and I also found them very forward, with an upper mid-range emphasis that kept causing me to turn the volume down. The amp also had a slight buzz in the transformer (AVA said it wouldn't affect the sound, suspected that it was due to some DC on my A/C line, and was willing to replace it if I had kept the amp).
In any event, I returned them and got the Wyred4Sound SX-1000 monoblocks and STP-SE preamp: no fatigue, no upper midrange emphasis, no loss of detail or bass or anything else. Just terrific music (and a much more convenient pre-amp that lets me switch sources with the remote and adjust phase on the fly).
*By auditioned I mean that I bought them and had them in my system for a couple of weeks and returned them under the AVA 30-day money back guarantee. The glare that I heard in the upper midrange drove me to surround the speakers with sound panels. That did not solve the problem, but I kept the panels anyway, and it sure made the Wyred4Sound setup sound good.
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And I've heard that D-sonic in my system (and others) and thought IT was not a good amp. To each their own.
This is a good example of why you need to audition, preferably in your own system. Good luck to you, jd3.
I guess that begs the question did you hear the D-Sonic with Salk Speakers and which ones?
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System synergy is what makes it happen, which is why it's so hard to drop a lot of cash on a well regarded brand amp and then be disappointed in it's performance. :( I've considered all of the amps mentioned, and I guess at this point it will be deciding over the next month or so which way to go. More suggestions are welcome though! Thanks.
John
I've heard Bill's Salk HT-3 system John with those awesome D-Sonic Magnum-5 amp/Antham D2v processor components and I can attest to his system synergy. Simply awesome sound stage, especially with the EE Dac, and Salk loudspeakers just love all that crystal clear sounding power no matter what the volume is. You'd be hard pressed to do better than what I listen to each time I journey over to Bill's place. I don't know what Nuance has listened to but it sure as hell hasn't been Bill's setup and I can't help but believe even he would be impressed. 8)
The only complaint I have with Bill's HT-3 system is that it takes me a few days to reaclimate myself to my own system each time I visit Bill. It's a real PIA. :duh: :lol:
Cheers,
Robin
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I guess that begs the question did you hear the D-Sonic with Salk Speakers and which ones?
Yes, mine. I've also heard the D-Sonic powering other speakers, some nicer than ours.
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I've heard Bill's Salk HT-3 system John with those awesome D-Sonic Magnum-5 amp/Antham D2v processor components and I can attest to his system synergy. Simply awesome sound stage, especially with the EE Dac, and Salk loudspeakers just love all that crystal clear sounding power no matter what the volume is. You'd be hard pressed to do better than what I listen to each time I journey over to Bill's place. I don't know what Nuance has listened to but it sure as hell hasn't been Bill's setup and I can't help but believe even he would be impressed. 8)
The only complaint I have with Bill's HT-3 system is that it takes me a few days to reaclimate myself to my own system each time I visit Bill. It's a real PIA. :duh: :lol:
Cheers,
Robin
Nope, never heard his setup. He never invited me, nor do I think he ever would. I'd probably like it, though, but who knows.
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For those of you who mentioned you run W4S amps, how do you stomach the power consumption? I'm thinking about going from tube back to SS in my amp and was considering W4S based on many user reviews but not sure I can live with burning 15w in standby and 30w idle. Guess I'm just a hippie.
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For those of you who mentioned you run W4S amps, how do you stomach the power consumption? I'm thinking about going from tube back to SS in my amp and was considering W4S based on many user reviews but not sure I can live with burning 15w in standby and 30w idle. Guess I'm just a hippie.
So Class A is never gonna happen for you?
How about the off switch? I never leave my stuff powered when not listening.
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So Class A is never gonna happen for you?
How about the off switch? I never leave my stuff powered when not listening.
I don't mind so much if I'm actually using it. I just don't like to burn that much power the other 22 hrs of the day. Maybe I'm wrong but I get the sense that on the W4S, I'd have to unplug it to stop using the 15w standby. Not gonna do that. I like that the amp and preamp I have now is actually OFF when turned off.
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I have songtowers(love them!!) and soon will order the matching center. My question is what everyone thinks of emotiva amps and equipment? I currently have the onkyo 606 receiver but would like to upgrade my souce. I am exploring the emotiva xpa-5 @200 watts x 5 channels and the new preamp xsp. The xsp will be replacing the umc preamp in March. What do you think? Thanks. Scott
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I have HT3s paired up with Wyred SX-1000 monos and a Joule LA-150 MKII preamp and it is a great combination. I leave the Wyred on all the time and they never get warm.
Very good sound and great value. I bought the Wyred used for $1500 on the A'Gon.
Good luck.
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Just as an update, I've got a pair of Red Dragon Mono's I'm auditioning:
http://www.reddragonaudio.com/products/m-500-monoblocks/
So far, not too bad. I've never been a big believer that an amp needs to 'break-in', but these amps definitely sound different each day I use them. They do have lots of bass, but also a lot of treble emphasis, at times almost harsh, depending on the quality of the recording. I figured my BAT pre would tame that a bit more, but we'll see how they settle in.
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My question I believe is close enough to ask here and not start a new thread.
I want to have a 2 channel "music" system and I want to try the "tube sound". What would be my best bet, to get a tube preamp and run through my solid state amp or would I get more of a "tube sound" by using my solid state preamp and getting a tube amp, something like the Van Alstine Ultravalve?
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I have songtowers(love them!!) and soon will order the matching center. My question is what everyone thinks of emotiva amps and equipment? I currently have the onkyo 606 receiver but would like to upgrade my souce. I am exploring the emotiva xpa-5 @200 watts x 5 channels and the new preamp xsp. The xsp will be replacing the umc preamp in March. What do you think? Thanks. Scott
I used to have Emo gear and it was ok at best. Probably a decent value for the money and the build quality is good. I didn't find anything special about the sound and moved on. I wouldn't buy their processors if my life depended on it. I had their MMC-1 and it had serious bass management issues that Lonnie refused to understand even though there were 10 of us complaining about it. Their track record with processors is just terrible. They are so late to market and problematic, I would never consider them no matter how cheap they are.
While the new XSP-1 preamp should prove interesting, it is not a replacement for the UMC-1 which is a processor. The up coming (if ever...) processor is the XMC-1. The XSP-1 and XMC-1 are higher end products and not meant to replace the USP-1 and UMC-1.
I'm not telling you not to buy the stuff, just know what you're getting before you do. It's your choice.
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I want to have a 2 channel "music" system and I want to try the "tube sound". What would be my best bet, to get a tube preamp and run through my solid state amp or would I get more of a "tube sound" by using my solid state preamp and getting a tube amp, something like the Van Alstine Ultravalve?
I am in the same boat. I want the tube sound too. I have a tube phono preamp since I mostly listen to LP's. I want to have the tube 3D effect sound to my CD's too so I am looking for a tube preamp. I have all but given up on a tube amp as I have medium/low efficency speakers and most of the good high power tube amps are very expensive.
Bob
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Just as an update, I've got a pair of Red Dragon Mono's I'm auditioning:
http://www.reddragonaudio.com/products/m-500-monoblocks/
So far, not too bad. I've never been a big believer that an amp needs to 'break-in', but these amps definitely sound different each day I use them. They do have lots of bass, but also a lot of treble emphasis, at times almost harsh, depending on the quality of the recording. I figured my BAT pre would tame that a bit more, but we'll see how they settle in.
My advice is NOT to keep a flawed piece of gear in hopes that a current piece of gear will "tame" it's flaws. YMMV, of course, but if you don't think it's really amazing, don't keep it. It's all about synergy, and if it's not there...
I am in the same boat. I want the tube sound too. I have a tube phono preamp since I mostly listen to LP's. I want to have the tube 3D effect sound to my CD's too so I am looking for a tube preamp. I have all but given up on a tube amp as I have medium/low efficency speakers and most of the good high power tube amps are very expensive.
Bob
In my opinion you're on the right track. I am just one man, but my experience has helped me learn that I prefer my tubes in the preamp than anywhere else. YMMV.
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Anyone in here tried an AVA preamp with a W4S amp? Good synergy or bad match?
Currently using an AVA T8 (tube) preamp and debating selling my Cary Rocket 88R tube amp and going back to a tube pre/ss amp set up. Debating between trying a W4S or going back to AVA.
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Any one here have the new Marantz av7005 or know anything about it? I'm thinking of that with the Emotiva xpa-5 with Salk songtowers and soon to be Salk center.I wanted the Emotiva umc but seems to have a few too many setbacks. Thanks. Scott
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My advice is NOT to keep a flawed piece of gear in hopes that a current piece of gear will "tame" it's flaws. YMMV, of course, but if you don't think it's really amazing, don't keep it. It's all about synergy, and if it's not there..
Perhaps my use of the word 'tame' is not appropriate. All of my well recorded cd's sound great. The poorly recorded ones have an edge to them. I think the amps may be revealing more of what the recording offers vs. my last amp, a Forte Model 5. I'm not unhappy with them, but the sound is certainly different than the previous amp. I agree with the synergy part, and it's been great on well recorded music so far.
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Any one here have the new Marantz av7005 or know anything about it? I'm thinking of that with the Emotiva xpa-5 with Salk songtowers and soon to be Salk center.I wanted the Emotiva umc but seems to have a few too many setbacks. Thanks. Scott
i have one... i like it a great deal, it's bug and quirk free.... anything specific you want to know on it, we have a very active thread for it on avs forum... :)
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I live in a small town in Missouri and have had a long time struggle (30 years) with amps that does not sound harsh, SS or tubes. I guess the power lines is a mess. I finally found one that totally sounds good everytime I turn it on. It is the Virtue Audio 451 with Dodd tube buffer. Make sure you add the Dodd battery supply, less than $1500. It is very smooth, detailed, and musical. You will re-listen to your entire CD collection again just to hear what you have been missing.
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I am in the same boat. I want the tube sound too. I have a tube phono preamp since I mostly listen to LP's. I want to have the tube 3D effect sound to my CD's too so I am looking for a tube preamp. I have all but given up on a tube amp as I have medium/low efficency speakers and most of the good high power tube amps are very expensive.
Bob
In my opinion you're on the right track. I am just one man, but my experience has helped me learn that I prefer my tubes in the preamp than anywhere else. YMMV.
Nuance, my mileage didn’t vary. I pulled the trigger on a Aesthetix Calypso preamp on Audiogon this week with NOS Mullard and Amperex Orange tubes. First impression is that it makes an incredible improvement on 3D reality and tone. I am in shock at how much a difference it makes! It seems to be not quite as clean and clear but I can hear much more image information which seems like a contradiction to "not as clean and clear"?! It is so real and lifelike!
Bob
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Fsimms:
Congratulations on the Calypso, I came very close few months back to trying one of those. I talked to Aesthetix, they were very helpful. Please let me know your further listening evaluations. Good luck with that excellent Pre-amp
Harrison
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Nuance, my mileage didn’t vary. I pulled the trigger on a Aesthetix Calypso preamp on Audiogon this week with NOS Mullard and Amperex Orange tubes. First impression is that it makes an incredible improvement on 3D reality and tone. I am in shock at how much a difference it makes! It seems to be not quite as clean and clear but I can hear much more image information which seems like a contradiction to "not as clean and clear"?! It is so real and lifelike!
Bob
That's great news! Tubes are really something else, but if you don't have the time or money to put into finding the exact flavor you're looking for they can be a headache. It sounds like you picked a winner right off the bat, though. Congrats - I am happy for you!
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Thought I'd update the thread I started. Thanks again for all your suggestions/comments. My wife and I ended up auditioning a Luxman 505u (Class A/B, 100 wpc) and 550A (Class A 20 wpc) for about a week. Both amps provide the remote control we were looking for, as well as more power than I would ever need. I was concerned about the 550 not being powerful enough, but 20 wpc in class A was amazing with the HT1's. In fact, both amps provide way more output to levels I really don't care to listen at. Everything I've read says Luxman underrates the power ratings for their amps, and I believe it. After going back and forth for a week, we finally chose the 505u. It just provided the system synergy I was looking for. My wife commented that it was more engaging than the 550, and I'd have to agree with that. I'd have music playing and be working in my office and have to get up and go in the other room and sit down and listen. It has a wide, deep soundstage, great detail, and almost effortless power that just kept drawing me into the music. The 550 also had all the power I'd need, but felt just a little restrained, and its soundstage was more confined than the 505's. Detail and imaging were excellent though, but with a more 'rounded' sound. It just didn't 'engage' us like the 505 did. Both are unbelievable amps, and it was a very difficult choice, but I think we made the right choice. Oh, and I love the power meters too!
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Congrats on the purchase JD3!
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And that's why we listen before we buy! Well, you guys do. I just turn and burn. :P
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I'm demoing a Sanders Magtech on my SoundScapes right now. So far, I'm really liking it.
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I'm demoing a Sanders Magtech on my SoundScapes right now. So far, I'm really liking it.
How are the woofers being handled? That is my biggest concern is manhandling the low end so it stays tight.
My amps are a few weeks out now.
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Congrats on the purchase JD3!
Thanks Kinger! As I mentioned to you before, I was figuring on just getting a new pre, but my friend who's into integrateds suggested the 505, my dealer also offered the 550 to try at the same time, and an integrated really turned out to be just what I was looking for. My friend bought the 550 after hearing it in my system!
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I'm demoing a Sanders Magtech on my SoundScapes right now. So far, I'm really liking it.
Interesting! I imagine you are still using your tube preamp.
Could you give us a couple of sentences on the difference you hear from your tube Nat Generators and the Magtech? I’m not looking for anything comprehensive or definitive. Just a couple of first impressions would be illuminating.
Bob
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Interesting! I imagine you are still using your tube preamp.
Could you give us a couple of sentences on the difference you hear from your tube Nat Generators and the Magtech? I’m not looking for anything comprehensive or definitive. Just a couple of first impressions would be illuminating.
Bob
Bob, this amp is a keeper. The primary reason I wanted to try it was the low sensitivity of the SS10s...I couldn't help but feel that the Generators might be running out of steam.
The Magtech is dead silent....the Generators are very quiet, but the Magtech is non-existent. Fantastic bass control and the ability to play as loud as I want. It also has finesse in the mid and upper ranges...I can hear deeper into the music.
I initially ran my PWD direct into the amp with excellent results, but adding a tube pre to the mix takes the performance to a completely different level.
Now the decision is which version of the Magtech to purchase....stereo or mono-blocks!!
Oh, and Roger is a great guy. I called him on Wednesday, and he shipped the amp via 2nd day air at his expense so I could have it for the weekend.
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Thanks for the comments.
I initially ran my PWD direct into the amp with excellent results, but adding a tube pre to the mix takes the performance to a completely different level.
That was my exact experience when I added my Aesthetix Calypso tube preamp between my DAC(modified TACT 2.2X) and my McCormack amp. I don’t fully understand how it can make such a tremendous difference, but it does.
Bob
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I know the OP has settled on his choice but I thought I'd add my 2 cents. I listen to my HT2-Tls with either a pair of Transcendent 150watt monoblocks and more recently via a Bob Latino ST-120 kit I built. 60 WPC, and a lot of fun to build! I am a 2 channel music only guy, but I never feel I run out of power. Much of the stuff I listen to was all recorded in analog and probably with tubes somewhere in the circuit so why not? Try tubes, you'll never look back. At least for music.