Advice on possible upgrade

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LeeH

Advice on possible upgrade
« on: 21 Apr 2013, 01:58 pm »
Hi all

Currently using an EE M88 integrated amp, however Ive got the upgrade bug  :duh: Ive been fancying the option of going to mono blocks with a pre amp, it will be all tube based and I do like the KT88 tubes but would be keen to consider 845's or 300B's. I don't have vast amounts of space so the mono blocks would have to the narrow types such as the Icon audio size, I understand that Id have to get a pre as well.

http://www.iconaudio.com/portfolio-item/mb-845-mk-ii/

Another option would be to add just a pre to the M88 as the M88 can be switched to have a pre in, not sure if this option would add much?

So would going down the mono block route add much, forgot to mention that Id also be looking to buy used or ex dem and Im based in the UK

Much help appreciated as always

Lee

FullRangeMan

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Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #1 on: 21 Apr 2013, 06:07 pm »
How many watts do you need?? What is your speaker sensitivity??
This 845 amp is 110W in the title, possible pushpull circuit, this is not upgrade in quality.
The best sound tubes amps are Single Ended, low power(300B), but some like 2A3 and 45 for even lower power and hi sensitivity one way, fullrange speakers.

But I like SE amps with the 6C33, GM70 and 805(with a impressive gain of 50 times).
211 has medium gain(12) and yet sound refinated but not great as the 805, and the 845 has a low gain(6) and is the ugly duck in the mid range.

On this same brand there is this nice 805 amp to 50W=hi power for a SET, with 30W and a 100dB speaker it will sound better and the 805 tube will lasts years.
http://www.iconaudio.com/portfolio-item/mb-805/
A 50W 805 amp with a Chinese tube(125W plate) will lasts few hours, for longer tube life one must low down the power in the Bias to 30W, if it is manual Bias(before consult the manufacturer about it).

Some current 211/845 tubes are no more 100W plate, but only 75W plate, but the amps for these tubes are intended use tubes with 100W plates.

Other nice amp in this Icon brand:
http://www.iconaudio.com/portfolio-item/mb-30se-mono-blocks/
16W in SET w/ KT120, a inexpensive tube.

J-Pak

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Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #2 on: 21 Apr 2013, 08:56 pm »
What do you think is a good driver tube for 6c33?

bunky

Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #3 on: 21 Apr 2013, 10:16 pm »
Audio Mirror has 6C33-B parallel SET Monoblocks with 6SL7 on the input stage and 6SN7 as the driver tube. 45wpc class A.   


FullRangeMan

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Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #4 on: 21 Apr 2013, 11:47 pm »
LeeH:
Last form: - forget this Icon 805 SET amp it use no less than 4 input tubes to get hi power from the 805, too complex(IMO).
There is similar amps with simpler circuit at less price.

FullRangeMan

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Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #5 on: 21 Apr 2013, 11:57 pm »
What do you think is a good driver tube for 6c33?
Traditionally is Input: 6SL7 Driver: 6SN7 for the usual warm tube sound, as the AudioMirror mentioned above.

Other option is Input 12AX7/7025 Driver 6SN7 also a warm tube sound:
http://www.schmaedecke.com.br/index.html

A unusual option is a EL34 Pentode, Input: 6N1P/6922 Driver: EL34, I unaware what kind of sound a Pentode offer.
http://www.promitheusaudio.com/6C33.htm

Maybe in Russia they would use Input: 6N1P or 6N2P, Driver: 6N6P.

LeeH

Re: Advice on possible upgrade
« Reply #6 on: 29 May 2013, 06:41 pm »
Well guys the upgrade has been completed, in the end I went for a Mastersound DueVenti SE EL34 amp, must admit totally smitten with this baby. The only thing Ive changed is the 2 signal valves that it came with, they were ECC 802's made by JJ I am now using a nice pair of 12AU7 Amprex valves which I scored from a friend of mine for $75.

Id never had a single ended amp before let alone a trip into the world of EL34's but must admit this amp does everything right for me, has a lovely smooth presentation especially in the mids, the bass is not rolled off and the highs are sublime. One thing it has shown up is the IXOS interconnect I was using, a friend lent me a Nordost Red Dawn I/C which is a big step up, kind of gave an overall better balanced presentation with wider and deeper soundstage. Safe to say I have now managed to score a Red Dawn.

Here is a link to the manufacturers web site

http://www.mastersoundsas.it/master%201_1_ing/dueventi.htm

If there are any MS users on here would love to hear from you

All the best

Lee