Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp

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hogzilla

Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« on: 3 Nov 2014, 04:55 am »
I have a pair of SCSTs heading to me in the near future and was curious if anyone has tried a vintage, low watt amp with the SongTower? I'm curious as I'm in the process of restoring a vintage tube amp from an old console. Wondered if it has enough power for it or if it's even a good idea in the first place.

fsimms

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #1 on: 3 Nov 2014, 12:26 pm »
I tried my Fisher 500C tube receiver with my friend's SongTowers and the match was heavenly.  I made this post at the time.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=59674.msg530988#msg530988

However, I tried this same receiver with my SoundScapes and found them very pleasant, but it sounded a bit dated compared to my modern McCormack.  My Fisher wasn't fully restored though.  Still, I liked it well enough.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86244.msg867715#msg867715

Bob

Atlplasma

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Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #2 on: 3 Nov 2014, 01:44 pm »
I've used my SongTowers with an Eico ST-70, which produces around 25 watts per channel. I liked it quite a bit.

NickC

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Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #3 on: 3 Nov 2014, 02:01 pm »
I have been playing my new SCSTs for about a month now. I am using a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium integrated running EL-34s, about 35 watts. The synergy is very good and the speakers are very easy to drive.
I have noticed that they have changed over this time. The bass has increased in depth and articulation and the mids are so good that I find the hair on my arms and neck standing up. The highs are really sweet and I was running some NOS Mazda Ciftes in the preamp section, but found I liked the NOS Mullards instead.

You will enjoy your new speakers and they really sing with tubes.

hogzilla

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #4 on: 3 Nov 2014, 03:46 pm »
Thanks for the feedback! My main amp is a McIntosh 275 with Gold Lions with a AVA Fet Valve CF pre. I can't wait to hear them together! Shouldn't be too much longer. *crossing fingers*

My "winter project" is brining this old console amp back to life. From what I've read they have a very mellow "vintage sound." This particular one was very clean and the tubes all test well. I wouldn't be surprised if this console saw little use over it's life. This could be fun to play with.

Bob, I have been considering a 500C at some point. I'm quite intrigued by that receiver.

mick wolfe

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Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #5 on: 3 Nov 2014, 04:12 pm »
The Songtowers are a superb match for tube amps in the 40-60 watt range. I might also add that my 22 watt Line Magnetic SET ( 845 ) drove them with ease as well... sounding every bit as strong as the P-P tube amps mentioned. That being said, if we're talking 5-10 watts from that Magnavox, my guess is that you'll be pigeon holed into small scale "girl & guitar" offerings only. Doesn't hurt to give it a try though.

hogzilla

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #6 on: 3 Nov 2014, 04:27 pm »
True. On a good day it puts out around 7-10 from what I've seen. Will be interesting to see how it sounds. I'll post back when I have the amp built and have had a chance to hear it on the SongTowers. Even if I can't get much out of it, will be a fun way to divert my attention from the brutal Chicago Winter ahead.  :D

mick wolfe

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Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #7 on: 3 Nov 2014, 05:44 pm »
True. On a good day it puts out around 7-10 from what I've seen. Will be interesting to see how it sounds. I'll post back when I have the amp built and have had a chance to hear it on the SongTowers. Even if I can't get much out of it, will be a fun way to divert my attention from the brutal Chicago Winter ahead.  :D

Yeah when I visit my son in Chicago, I tell him to let me know when the cafes/bars get their outdoor seating in place again. Early June this year was perfect.

hogzilla

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #8 on: 3 Nov 2014, 08:12 pm »
Yeah when I visit my son in Chicago, I tell him to let me know when the cafes/bars get their outdoor seating in place again. Early June this year was perfect.

Well played. My folks are coming from Dallas to Chicago for Christmas this year. I've given them adequate warning. Good thing we ordered lots of fire wood!  :lol:

SCompRacer

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #9 on: 3 Nov 2014, 09:56 pm »
Hey neighbor! We are just SW of you in Plainfield. Already have the snow blower serviced and ready to go.

hogzilla

Re: Odd Couple: Salk SCST and Magnavox Tube Amp
« Reply #10 on: 4 Nov 2014, 12:54 am »
Hey neighbor! We are just SW of you in Plainfield. Already have the snow blower serviced and ready to go.

Small world! :thumb: We are in Berwyn just west of the city. Now is a good time to have the snowblower ready... especially since we're already getting snow! I would have never guessed Halloween would be our first snow this year. Gonna be a wild ride this year, I'm thinking.