amp recommendations-C & C Abbeys

lcrim · « **on:** 4 Oct 2004, 07:19 pm »

I am strongly considering Cain & Cain Abbeys to replace my present 5.1 HT system. Probably will sell my Sony digital receiver and Sonus Faber fronts (Concertino Homes $ Solo Home) in favor of lower power, higher efficiency 2.1 system.
Need recommendations for appropriate amp/preamp or integrated. Have a Decware Select w/ Parker 95 MKII's in my other system so inexpensive SET would be of greatest interest.
Thanks in advance.

JLM · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Oct 2004, 10:46 pm »

The Abby's are wonderful speakers in terms of construction and nearfield playback of jazz/voice. WAF is a big question. Bass rolls off around 50 Hz. They do all the single driver magical things, but didn't strike me as an all around performer for classical or rock.

If you like the bright Decware sound and want to keep cost down, look at a Select EXtreme (biased to 8 ohm loads) for $725. You'd reach near 98 dB in a typical to smaller room. Next up would be a Decware Torii for an extra 6 or 7 dB, but more money.

Just what is your target price for an amp?

The Cayin TA-30 is only $900 with options and provides 30 wpc, but reportedly is a step down from the Decware amps. http://www.2baudio.com/

The Amarro 318A is a 18 wpc SET. http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0204/almarroa318a.htm

The Sophia Baby is another option. http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0703/sophiababy.htm

rosconey · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Oct 2004, 11:13 pm »

might have a talk with bill at response audio(has forum here)-
he likes the modified ming-da stuff

Inscrutable · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Oct 2004, 12:47 am »

Hi Larry,
Like I said before ... we're on a parallel course. Take a look HERE. I spoke to Terry Cain, and he said that for the money the Fi 2A3 is hands-down the best match for his Abby's. The Decware likes lower impedance loads. I just unpacked my Abby's, so I've not had a chance to compare with both my Fi-X and Decware Zen triode. Have you seen the reviews of the Fi? Other than Art Dudley's mention as one of his 10-best in Stereophile recently, here are a couple other reviews.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/fi-x_e.html
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/fi/mono_2.html

The pictures really don't do them justice .. the Abbys are very handsome speakers. I can't imagine WAF being a problem. Now those black monolith 3.3's on the other hand sound great, but ...

I'm still undecided if I'm going to like and stay with the single-driver sound, so I may have all this stuff up for sale soon.

gonefishin · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Oct 2004, 01:00 am »

Hi Inscrutable,

congrats on the new speakers! The woodworking in the Cain & Cain speakers are really something to be seen. A true work of art...wood art.

Have you looked into any 45 amps? Depending on your listening preferences and music selection...they may be right up your alley.

enjoy!

lcrim · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Oct 2004, 03:19 am »

Inscrutable:
We do seem to be on similar courses. I'm wondering how low you can run the gain w/ the Abbey/Fi X and still have satisfyingly dynamic, detailed sound?
I have found that I like to listen at lower volume levels and at least in the case of the Decware Select/ Parker 95, jts not all that necessary to crank it up.

Inscrutable · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Oct 2004, 10:50 am »

Larry,

Quote

I'm wondering how low you can run the gain w/ the Abbey/Fi X and still have satisfyingly dynamic, detailed sound?

Can't tell you yet. I haven't had tiem to do much since I unpacked them. I just have a receiver hooked up now re-breaking them in (they've not been played in a long time). I'll be hooking up the tubes this weekend.

Gonefishin,
Well, I missed a deal on Korneff 45's when I bought the Fi. The Fi can handle 45's (with a different rectifier), but I think I'll try upgraded 2A3's first, as they're reputed to have a bit better punch. And yes the cabinetry is outstanding. Unfortunately, the seller used some strapping tape that contacted the cabinet. Anyone have any idea what kind of solvent to use to take off the gunk without stripping the finish?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Oct 2004, 11:13 am »

Do you guys have a product called Goo Gone in the States? Sold here in Canada, and works wonders - seems to smell citrus based, and safe for most surfaces.

Mark

Inscrutable · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Oct 2004, 02:22 pm »

Yes, I used to have some of it. The one I have now .. De-Solve It ... does not say it is safe on wood or wood finishes. I would really hate to ruin them. Think I'll try the WoodNet forums. Thanks!

bally · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 12:12 am »

Icram,
In an email from Robin Wyatt from Robyattaudio he mentioned a client was very happy with the match up of Tektron mono,s+pre using Sophia 45,s with his Abby,s.
Also Art Audio,s Carrissa is supposed to match well.
Cheers
Peter

Double Ugly · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 12:54 am »

As bally said, apparently the Abbeys work well with the Art Audio Carissa 845 SET, as evidenced by the "In its own class" designation 6moons awarded their room at the Home Entertainment 2003 show in San Francisco.

The write-up appears near the bottom of the HE 2003 page linked above.

Not inexpensive - not to me, anyway - so I apologize if their price makes this post is OT. Perception is reality, though, and one man's fortune is another man's pittance...

DU

Inscrutable · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 09:46 am »

Which is why Terry Cain said that in his opinion for the money he liked the Fi the best. If you can spring for more, the Korneff 45's seem to be popular with these. And yes, for a lot more the Art Audio's are very nice, and what you see paired with C&C at most shows.

Inscrutable · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 09:51 am »

Larry,

Quote

I'm wondering how low you can run the gain w/ the Abbey/Fi X and still have satisfyingly dynamic, detailed sound?

I was listening some last night, and they seemed to retain these qualities at fairly low gain (had the volume control anywhere from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock) - sorry, I didn't take any SPL readings.

I was very impressed with this combo on vocals and strings. Excellent communication of texture, palpable presence, surprisingly solid foundation/bass.
Tim

lcrim · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 12:56 pm »

Thanks for all the recommendations.
I was wondering what the Abbeys would sound like w/ a digital amp. I was thinking about trying them w/ my AES AE-3 preamp and the TEAC A-L700P digital amp module. It is 30 watts @ 6 ohms (3 channels) and the buzz on this board has been very positive. Best of all, it is only $100.
Any thoughts?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 01:22 pm »

Well, I cannot comment on the Cain and Cain, but I do know that many people who have tried the Teac with single driver speakers are VERY pleased with this little amp.

I am one of the people that uses this amp, but with boring old two way low efficiency speakers - I love this amp, and that is the stock one - there are several folks (Bolder and others) that mod this amp.

I will report back on the transformation when I receive the amp.

Dmason might be able to offer an opinion, I believe he has some experience mating digital amps with high efficiency single driver speakers.

So far, for me, the best $99 I have spent...

mark in Canada

Double Ugly · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 01:33 pm »

Quote from: Inscrutable

Which is why Terry Cain said that in his opinion for the money he liked the Fi the best.

Yeah, which is why I said what I did about the expense possibly making the post OT. What's "expensive" to me may not be to lcrim, and my post was not made in reference to you or your previous posts.

I don't have the any of the amps, pre-amps or speakers in this thread, and couldn't care less what he ends up with as long as he's satisfied.

DU

Lak · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Oct 2004, 02:52 pm »

I own a pair of the Abby's that I have moded into the Super Abby's (something that Terry Cain talks about but has not made available). I have powered mine with Cary 2A3 (5 watts per ch) monoblocks, the Forte 4A (SS), The Legacy (the Coda) amp 200 watts, and the Bel Canto digital amp. The Abby's sounded good with all the amps however I prefer the set sound followed by the Forte.

Inscrutable · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Oct 2004, 10:21 am »

DU,
I really didn't mean my post as any kind of rebuttal to yours. Sorry if you took any offense. I also don't care what people choose to spend or not spend on their gear, any more than I'm foolish enough to question what people see in their spouses ... heaven knows my wife has never been able to produce a satisfactory answer

Lak,
Interesting. I'll have a Bel Canto here soon for another purpose, but was going to try on these. Did you find the 2A3's gave up much to it in dynamics or bass definition?

Larry,
If you've not been over there, there are threads about amps that might be relevant over at the Omega and Horn Shoppe circles. Including the Sonic Impact reviewed at 6moons recently.

lcrim · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Oct 2004, 03:00 pm »

Lak:
What preamp do you have w/ the Abbys?

Anybody have any first hand experience w/ the Wright Sound WPA3.5, a 2A3 based SET, which is reasonably priced ($1430) and highly praised by many over on AA. I just bought a preamp/phono section from Wright and I'm in the buyers remorse stage because I haven't heard it yet.

Lak · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Oct 2004, 03:59 pm »

Lak,
Interesting. I'll have a Bel Canto here soon for another purpose, but was going to try on these. Did you find the 2A3's gave up much to it in dynamics or bass def ...[/quote]

Inscrutable,
My 2A3's actually have better dynamics, a fuller sound and more bass than the Bel Canto I use to own. The Bel Canto is a good amp however in my situation I prefer the 2A3's.