[SteveRB]

comments and opinions on ss vs tubes...

i have a creek 5350se and am thinking about the cayin ta-30 intigrated amp. my main source is a rega planar3. is this an upgrade or a sidways move?

[Carlman]

Purely addressing the sonics: The only Creek I've ever heard was a bit lively but analytical.  I would expect the Cayin to be a bit warm and not as lively.

My experience...
I've heard 4 tube amps and thought they all sounded very good but didn't get the bass punchy enough.  Of the little I've heard, tubes have sounded softer than solid state overall.  However, they also sound more musical to me.  I'm using a Pro-Ject TT and Eastern Electric Minimax tube pre and tube amp (8 watt) and I like this combo more than anything I've ever heard.  I will be getting back an upgraded solid state amp to compare soon, though.

My opinion...
There would be no question to go with tubes.  However, it's a flavor difference that not everyone likes.  

Have you ever heard good tube amplification or compared it to good solid state?  That would be my first recommendation.

-C

[Ferdi]

HI, I don't know the Creek but own the Cayin TA30. I have paired them with fairly efficient Mission 751f speakers and have to say I am very happy with the result.
Punchy bass, smooth highs and full mids. Very nice and easy to listen to.

What you do not get with the Cayin is a tapeloop or a Phone stage. If you listen to linesources only, this is can be an excellent choice. EDIT: rereading the original question, it is clear that the main source is a TT. Hmmmm, in that case it also depends strongly if you already have a phono pre. The Cayin has no facilities to deal with TT, like rumble filter and the like.

But as Carlman points out, the tube sound does not agree with everyone. (for reference: my main system has a Stratos + Purist amplification setup.)

Hope this helps. If you have any more specific questions I may be able to answer them.

Ferdi

[SteveRB]

ferdi, what do you mean?

"The Cayin has no facilities to deal with TT, like rumble filter and the like."

i have spoken to the dealer and he recomends the cayin mt-12 powered by el84 tubes. he says it doesn't have the power output of the others but i don't need it, seeing as i use two mini-monitors (8ohm) and a 200w powered sub.  he perfers the sound of the el84's. ... does all this make sense?

as for a phono pre-amp. i can get by with a cheap model for now. but i plan to build a tube powered mc amp from the hagerman technology site. a friend of mine uses one he made with his conrad johnson tube separates and loves it.  sounded goog when i auditioned it with my creek.

[doug s.]

comments and opinions on ss vs tubes...

i have a creek 5350se and am thinking about the cayin ta-30 intigrated amp. my main source is a rega planar3. is this an upgrade or a sidways move?

since the 5350 has preamp outputs & main inputs, you may wanna try an ase z-man or musical fidelity x10d tube buffer stage.  these are no longer made, but come up on the used market every so often, usually ~$100 or so.  kailin also makes a new unit, that i have seen f/a on audiogon, w/a no-reserve starting bid at $199.

i also prefer tubes, and use a z-man w/my s/s thule ia100 integrated amp, which also has pre outs/main ins...

hth,

doug s.

[Thebiker]

I just went down this path during the last year.  I went out looking for a 2 channel music system and had decided that I didn't want to have to mess about with the system and I had heard/read all the comments about tubes not having tight bass & high THD's.

So, I went shopping for solid state.  I listened to Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Creek and looked at separates and liked Thresold a lot.

Then a dealer that I was talking with convinced me to at least "give tubes a listen".  WOW!  I listened to Conrad-Johnson, real lush (too lush), I listened to Cary (how can tubes be that dry & analytical?), I tried Rogue (not bad) and then I heard Manley.......love at first listen.  

Musically, I listen to everything that qualifies as good music (my definition of course) from Classical to Jazz to Blues to Metal, and the Manley Stingray that I purchased ROCKS.  Bass is fast, tight & solid.  Highs are clean & crisp.  Like any other system, to get the most out of it, you need to get the synergy right.  My Stingray is paired with JM Lab Cobalt 816s and it is a great match.  The Stingray uses 2 quads of EL 84's for output & it puts out!

For your TT, you will need a separate phone pre-, it would not be available if the Stingray was to catch your interest.  If there is a dealer in your area, you should give it a look.  If not, try the Manley web site, helpful folks.

Good luck with your search/decisions.

The Biker

[rewster]

Glan,
 

  I'm a big fan of the 5350se, a great amp for the money, though if partnered with similarly analytical equipment can sound a shade harder than might be desireable.

  When it came to the choice as I looked around (and having decided to give valves a miss till my kids where old enough not to fool around with the 'shiney' bits!)
  I went for Primare, although I couldn't muster enough cash at the time to buy the A30.1, I did pick up an A20mk2, which for my needs gives all the clarity, pace and detail of the Creek, with a hint of the warmth you might be looking for from valves.

  Looks great too, can you buy Promare gear in the US?

[Ferdi]

HI Glen, can't comment on the MT-12 as I have never heard it. If your power requirements are not too high, this may work well. (efficient speakers, smaller room, loudness preference, etc.)

My comment was about the fact that there is
a. no input for TT directly on the TA30 and
b. has no rumble filter (which may or may not be a problem)

As long as you are aware of these limitations or you can work around them in your setup, the TA30 is a very nice amp  I have one and it is not going anywhere!

Good luck!

Ferdi

[JLM]

I'll second the TA-30 as an extremely beautiful, well built amp for the money.  And it provides solid sound for it's price range.

[lkosova]

The biker,

do you know which models of tubes you listened to????? It would help in seeing if you where comparing apples to apples.

Thanks,

Larry

[Paul L]

I would said it is more difference than better.  If also depends on what speaker you are using.  The Creek has less sonic signature of its own.