My system:
Aesthetix Calypso preamp
Aesthetix Rhea phono stage
Modified PS Audio HCA-2 Power amp or Spectron Digital One
Original Gallo Reference II Speakers (2 aluminum spheres per speaker. Rated at 88 db and 8 ohms)
REL Stadium III Sub
VPI Scoutmaster + Dynavector 20XL
Modwright Sony 9000ES
Harmonic Tech wiring throughout system
I love the sound of my system but was looking for a little more midrange bloom and little more mid-bass. In my room with the Class D amps driving the Gallo’s the sound is somewhat lean in the mid-bass. The soundstage is wide and deep.
I recently purchased a used Cary V12 R amplifier hoping to get a bigger taste of that “tube magic”. The Cary is rated at 50 watts triode and 100 watts ultralinear.
I plugged the Cary into my system using the balanced inputs and 8-ohm speaker taps and listened for a week. I was very disappointed in the sound I was getting. Somewhat rolled off highs, loss of air in the highs, bloated mid – bass. A fellow audio buddy came over to listen and said it sounded like someone had thrown a blanket over the midrange. The sound of my system had become totally un-involving. This did not sound like all the reviews and posts I had read about the Cary V12.
Does this sound like a classic system mismatch? Perhaps new tubes for the Cary? KT 88’s or different EL 34’s? The stock Ruby EL34’s have low hours according to the previous owner. I have bias set at the recommended 275. I have also tried the bias at 250. Should that be changed?? Possibly change to the 4-ohm speaker taps?
I have the Cary listed on Audiogon but I keep thinking it should be sounding better and would like to give it another chance.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tom
