[Bill Baker]

Recently traded in pair of ASL Hurricane 200DT mono bloc amplifiers. These are the pre-2007 version with aluminum chassis and triode switching as shown in the picture below. Very good condition. They are currently in stock form and we will perform full EXtreme modifications at time of ordering and will come with 1 year parts and labor warranty. Will not sell in stock form.

 We were originally going to 'EXtreme' these amps to use in a biamp arrangement in a new reference system we are putting together but have decided to go with two pair of Bella EXtreme 100 amplifiers instead.

Your choice of Platinum or V-Cap Teflon capacitors. The price includes one fully modified pair of ASL Hurricane 200DT amplifiers.

Regular price: Platinum $9480 / V-Cap $10,400

This ad is currently on AudioGon at the following prices:

EXtreme Platinum $6,999
EXtreme V-Cap $7,800

Audio Circle Member pricing:

EXtreme Platinum $6,399
EXtreme V-Cap $7,200

50% deposit required at time of ordering with balance due when amps are completed and ready for shipping.

Full Modification Details:
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstube&1199304044

[Bill Baker]

with a few recent orders on some larger modifications, I will now let these amplifiers go in stock form.....sorta. I will still do modifications to these amps but delivery would now be after the first of the year on fully modified units.

 Here they are as listed on AudioGon.

 STOCK UNITS - At time of purchase, we will go through both amplifiers and replace all cathode and ground resistors on the power tubes and fully test the pair to assure a long invested interest in your listening experience. Delivery mid December.

If interested, we can also perform full EXtreme modifications at time of ordering. Modified units will come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Modifications include your choice of AuriCap, SoniCap Platinum or V-Cap Teflon capacitors.

Stock $3,200 with upgraded resistors.
Signature $5,400(AuriCap capacitors)Contact us about details on Signature modification.
EXtreme Platinum $6,999 (still $6399 for AC members)
EXtreme V-Cap $7,500 (originally sell for $10,400) (Still $7200 for AC members)

[billc]

If you are looking at these Hurricane amps and drooling, or just sitting back and considering the options...

I wanted to let you know that I have a pair of Hurricanes, with Signature mods recently performed by Bill Baker, that are just completing their burn-in phase.  The sounds I am hearing are just astonishing.

They exhibit a rare combination of musicality, power, delicacy, and dynamics.  Bill has experimented more with caps, resistors, fuses, wire, etc. for this amp than anyone else I am aware of.  And his mods show it.

Each listening session (recently) impresses me, in three ways: 1. the power and control of the bass and midbass response, 2. the musically detailed soundstage/spatial resolution, and 3. the "you are there" vocals.   

I have owned many tube amps before (KT-88, 6550, 805, 845) and have heard many more, but these amps exceed them all in terms of coherency and faithful reproduction.  I am just blown away by the Canes with mods.  Before the mods the Canes were excellent; after mods, incredible.

I am happy to answer any questions about my Canes and the mods if anyone wants further information.   Bill modded my Jolida 502 many years back, and you should know you are in good hands if you are seeking real value and expertise.  And amplified sound that is out of this world.  The Canes themselves are simply amazing.  And after mods, well...  words fail me...   

(I should note that the mods are important - Bill resolves a few design weaknesses with his changes, hence the resistor upgrades.) 

Bill C.

[woodsyi]

If you are looking at these Hurricane amps and drooling, or just sitting back and considering the options...

I wanted to let you know that I have a pair of Hurricanes, with Signature mods recently performed by Bill Baker, that are just completing their burn-in phase.  The sounds I am hearing are just astonishing.

They exhibit a rare combination of musicality, power, delicacy, and dynamics.  Bill has experimented more with caps, resistors, fuses, wire, etc. for this amp than anyone else I am aware of.  And his mods show it.

Each listening session (recently) impresses me, in three ways: 1. the power and control of the bass and midbass response, 2. the musically detailed soundstage/spatial resolution, and 3. the "you are there" vocals.   

I have owned many tube amps before (KT-88, 6550, 805, 845) and have heard many more, but these amps exceed them all in terms of coherency and faithful reproduction.  I am just blown away by the Canes with mods.  Before the mods the Canes were excellent; after mods, incredible.

I am happy to answer any questions about my Canes and the mods if anyone wants further information.   Bill modded my Jolida 502 many years back, and you should know you are in good hands if you are seeking real value and expertise.  And amplified sound that is out of this world.  The Canes themselves are simply amazing.  And after mods, well...  words fail me...   

(I should note that the mods are important - Bill resolves a few design weaknesses with his changes, hence the resistor upgrades.) 

Bill C.

What are you driving with those ugly mess of oil can tubes?    What 6SN7 type tubes are you using on yours?

I have had mine for over a year and I just don't feel the need to change.  Have not had any repair issues at all either except when my cat somehow got down to the forbidden room and managed to tip the amp -- those big transformers can make it tipsy when you have them on Herbie's wooden balls.  Anyway, somebody should take the plunge and join in on the fun of hearing the Bella Extreme goodness.

[Bill Baker]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I am always happy to hear from those who are enjoying their products. The EXtreme Canes have been a damn good product for me over the past two years with almost two dozen out there purring along.

 There are a couple of preamps that have been reported to work real nice with these amps. From what I have, the ModWright linestages and Audio Note Custom units do the job nicely. I have used both the Audio Note pieces (M2 and M3 transformer coupled output) and the ModWright SWLP with EXtremes. By the way, if someone wants a nice package deal on these canes and either my demo Audio Note Custom M2 preamp or ModWright SWLP, give me a buzz or send a PM Both are in excellent condition and the ModWright SWLP also has the external tube rectified power supply.

 There are many ModWrights now driving EXtreme amplifiers. If I recall, woodsyi is still using a ModWright SWL 9.0SE with his EXtrene Canes? Other preamps I have heard work well are a few from Conrad Johnson, Thor, Audio Research and Atma-Sphere just to name a few.

 I now have a pair of Hurricanes coming in for EXtreme V-Cap mods that should be arriving the week after next (coming from CA) so this may effect the turnaround time of these Hurricanes.

[Bill Baker]

I need to add one more thing for those who have inquired on these amps. Each amp has a shipping weight of about 70 lbs which means I could ship them via Bax Global to save a bit of money over what UPS charges to ship these across country. If going to the East coast, it's not too bad as they also wouldn't have to go through UPS's central hub where most damage seem to happen.

[billc]

woodsyi,

oil can tubes ???  you're cuttin' me to the quick.  you can't mean those glowing orbs o' audio nirvana ? 

Sorry, I was drifting there. I am using the Valve Art KT-88s that they came with, slowly being replaced 4 at a time, by the Shuguang KT 88-98s, which seem a bit more hardy to me.  For the 6SN7's, well... how much time do you have?     Right now I am using two of the original Valve Arts, with a Sylvania CHS-6SN7GT (VT-231) in position 9 on each amp.  I have two pair of chrome domes (Sylvania CHS 6SN7W's) that were in the amps before they went for Bill's mods, but I am being cautious about tube rolling since their return, so as to calibrate changes better.  I also have a few pair of RCA and Tung Sol 6SN7 GTBs that I want to try out. The worst so far were the EH 6SN7s, which Bill found created noise in my amps, and which were a step down from the original Valve Arts!  I enjoy tube rolling and just grabbed some interesting 6SN7s and 5687s off ebay that I am waiting to receive.  The holidays will be good time for rolling !   

And since ya asked for some details, here goes (everyone else can go grab a beer... or glass of vino):    

Audio chain runs as follows: Benz Glider cart through Rega 25 table/RB600 arm, to a Wright Sound Co phono stage (with Sovtek 12AX7 LPS's and Brimar 12AU7's), to a ModWright SWL 9.0SE (with Tung Sol 5687s, formerly Amperex 7119s, which I found sounded great but were too microphonic), to the Canes, to one of two, expanding to three, sets of speakers, which I swap in and out. I have the Bella 1 speakers with external crossover from Bill Baker, which sound great, and I also landed a nice set of Dave Ellis' 1801b's, which sound really great in different ways (perhaps more nuanced), and arriving very soon (I hear, but no real hurry Bob!) will be a pair of SP Timepiece mini's.

The amazing thing is that with the ModWright going to the Canes, everyone who hears my system wants to know where the bass units are.    Both my existing sets of speakers are two-way, but easily generate the great full bass that I hear in most of the jazz and other music I play.  I don't listen to that much pipe organ, so the missing the really lo octaves does not bother me.  I really like the musicality and coherent sound I get from the two-way speakers (but I have heard some really good 3 way speakers recently, that started me thinking... but I just don't feel like I am missing anything critical at this point.)  Oh yeah, I just added some Grover Huffman SC interconnects to my existing connection and they are sounding very very nice.  CD playback is the MSB nelson DAC III with separate MSB power supply, with a Tascam transport, and coax connection.  So, I hope that didn't put you to sleep. zzzz

I was not sure from your post: do you have modded Canes, or factory originals?  What 6SN7's ya usin'?  Inquiring ears want to know!  Any changes to the ModWright tubing?  Please feel free to send along any Cane secrets (like how to keep our kitten off them), and how to keep my nephews from pushing in my tweeter domes when they visit.  (and my wife says no artillery...)

Bill C

      

[Bill Baker]

 Wow Bill, I didn't think you would publically mention a CD sorce component. Nor did I think you knew how to use one

 I had fogotten you were using the ModWright now with the Canes but it only goes to further enhance my statement above about how well the ModWright matches with the Canes. Right now I flip between my Audio Note Custom M2 and ModWright SWLP. I prefer the tube rectified ModWright now due to it's warmer tone and midrange magic. I am only selling it because I don't need so many preamps around.

 Woodsyi has full EXtreme V-Cap Hurricanes that he has had for almost 2 years now running in triode driving the tweeter panels of his speakers. (is that still the case woodsyi?)

 I have heard a lot of higher power tube amps over the years and the Hurricanes are still my favorite. They always have been and this is the reasoning I got involved with the EXtreme versions. I never figured they would keep my benches full on a regular basis as they have over the past 2 years. They have changed the way I look at (and listen to) music.

 For tubes in the Canes (and the Bella 100's), I tend to prefer the Valve Art 6SN7 tubes over current production 6SN7 types. I have played with a lot of current production versions of this tube and I do find the VA to be the best to my ears. I have never really been a fan of Chinese tubes but lately seem to be outfitting all my amps with them. This even applies to KT88's where I was once at a point of preferring the EH KT88, I have now gone back to my roots of enjoying the warmer, more seductive sound of the VA or Shuguang. Maybe I will take the plung and try out the new Tung-Sol 6550's some day.
 I also have a brand new quad of GE 6550 tubes that I am holding onto until I can come across another new quad. I wish I had known years ago how much these tubes would increase in price. I was buying them for $35 a piece from a local supplier I guess I could use them in my Reference 801.

 Anyway, if these Canes don't sell, you can bet they will become a permanet component in my main reference system. If that time comes, I will remove the triode switch and have them wired strickly for triode and eliminate the toggle all together. I was going to go with the MK II Hurricanes only because it is a current model but I still prefer the original chassi and they continue to come in for EXtreme mods so there is no harm having a pair of the floor.

 For those of you who think you have a lot of amplifiers in your system, take a look at this picture. The Hurricanes you see are all EXtremes and this is only on one channel. There are 3 more on the other side of the room. All 6 Hurricanes were sent in at one time to be modified.

[Bill Baker]

Happy Thanksgiving folks.

 I had an inquiry about these amps asking if I could use MultiCaps in the modification just as was used in the original pair Harry Pearson reveiwed so many years ago. So, for those who want the "Harry Pearson" version but in a sturdier, nicer chassis, I can do the modification using all the MultiCap coupling capacitors. The price would be the same as the Signature---- $5,400. Same 1 year warranty applies.

[billc]

Bill B -

Well, yes, I sheepishly admit to dipping one toe into the world of CD.  Not willingly, mind you.  It is all Steve P's fault  - he played his MSB Platinum DAC for me, and, well, it sounded damn good, and very close to vinyl.     Now, mind you, I have not totally made my mind up on this yet, but MSB had their nelson dac on sale, as well as the matching power supply, and damn! at that price, I jumped in, and I am very very (did I say very) surprised. 

Now, maybe it has something to do with your extraordinary mods to my Canes, and everything falling into place at the same time (part of the process of changing the system too fast, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what change yielded what sonic improvement, to some degree) but there is a liquidity and continuousness that I have not heard before, even on some very expensive CD rigs.  I don't hear that edginess that kinda sounds like spaces between the music (and jitter ). 

I always felt that SACD and DVD-Audio sounded very very close to good analog, but CD's never made the grade before.  The MSB changed that to a significant degree, and got me into the digital "pond".   

Now, where is the danged spindle on a CD player?  I don't see any metal thing sticking up to put the CD on...   

Yes, I have recently put the Wright Sound Co-ModWright 9.0-ASL Hurricane (with Bill Baker mods!) chain into play, and everyone from the gang (NJ Audio Society) that has heard it is just astonished at the improvements in my system's sound.    So, I have to believe I am going in the right (or wright? ) direction, thanks in no small part to your sage advice, and your encouragement to seek out the music !

Bill C

[Bill Baker]

Hi Bill,
 It sadens me to admit I have very little time to listen to my preferred source...vinyl. I spend my days at a work bench and always have a different system running on a daily basis. This will change as the main reference rig is assembled and two of the secondary systems are used for testing and evaluating modified and new products. Right now I have a few systems set up for 'system testing' as I always have a few products coming off the benches that need to be burned in before heading off to their new home. (like the three pair of Quicksilver V4 mono blocs currently on the benches).

 Right now my vinyl rig consist of an Acoustic Solid table and ModWright SWLP but in time, an Audio Note Custom M3 preamp and M3 phono stage will take over those duties as well as a DAC 2.1 Deluxe handling the digital playback. The DAC is very important as I am working my way into a computer based source.

 Speakers will be our new updated version of the LS9 as has been talked about in another thread here with amplification being the Bella EXtreme 100's. Probably two pair for these speakers or if these Canes don't move right away, they will handle power duties Right now the speakers are EXtreme Adagio floorstanders and a pair of Bella EXtreme SP/AV-II.

 I need to start making more time for vinyl but this will not happen until the AN Custom phono stage is built (the ModWright is now boxed up and awaiting a new home). So, next visit up, we will probably not have a vinyl rig to listen to My AN Custom M2 preamp will handle front end duties for a while or until it sells as well.

 My reference CD playback at the moment is handled by my RAM Signature CD 25 that was produced in conjunction with Dan over at ModWright several years back.

 By the way, don't try to squeeze your favorite LP's into your CD player, it tends to scratch the hell out 'em.

I always felt that SACD and DVD-Audio sounded very very close to good analog, but CD's never made the grade before.  The MSB changed that to a significant degree, and got me into the digital "pond".   

 I agree but it usually takes a pretty elaborate setup to get close to that vinyl sound. I have heard very bad SACD playback as well as exceptional. It always depended on the system. I would much rather have a very good redbook system than a mediocre SACD setup.

[Bill Baker]

There has been a lot of inquiries on these amps the past two days with many asking what is available so I figured it would be better to consolidate things and get back on track with all information within one post.

Recently traded in pair of ASL Hurricane 200DT mono bloc amplifiers. These are the pre-2007 version with aluminum chassis and triode switching as shown in the picture in the first post of this thread. Very good condition. They are currently in stock form and we will perform full modifications at time of ordering and will come with 1 year parts and labor warranty.


STOCK UNITS - At time of purchase, we will go through both amplifiers and replace all cathode and ground resistors on the power tubes and fully test the pair to assure a long invested interest in your listening experience. Delivery time --------- inquire.

If interested, we can also perform full EXtreme modifications at time of ordering. Modified units will come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Modifications include your choice of AuriCap, SoniCap Platinum or V-Cap Teflon capacitors.

I had an inquiry (a few inquiries now) about these amps asking if I could use MultiCaps in the modification just as was used in the original pair Harry Pearson reviewed so many years ago. So, for those who want the "Harry Pearson" version but in a sturdier, nicer chassis, I can do the modification using all the MultiCap coupling capacitors. The price would be the same as the Signature---- $5,400. Same 1 year warranty applies.

Stock $3,200 with upgraded resistors as mentioned above.
Signature $5,400(AuriCap, SoniCap Gen I or Gen II or MultiCap capacitors)Contact us about details on Signature modification.
EXtreme Platinum Teflon $6,999 (still $6399 for AC members)
EXtreme V-Cap Teflon $7,500 (originally sell for $10,400) (Still $7200 for AC members)

Stock and Signature units must be paid in advance. EXtreme mods require a 50% deposit at time of ordering with balance due when amps are completed and ready for shipping.


VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC, Paypal +2%, Check, Cash ---- NO COD

Each amp has a shipping weight of about 70 lbs which means I could ship them via Bax Global to save a bit of money over what UPS charges to ship these across country. If going to the East coast, it's not too bad as they also wouldn't have to go through UPS's central hub where most damage seems to happen.
 We do not ship via Federal Express but will do so if you use your account number.

[woodsyi]

woodsyi,

oil can tubes ???  you're cuttin' me to the quick.  you can't mean those glowing orbs o' audio nirvana ? 

Sorry, I was drifting there. I am using the Valve Art KT-88s that they came with, slowly being replaced 4 at a time, by the Shuguang KT 88-98s, which seem a bit more hardy to me.  For the 6SN7's, well... how much time do you have?     Right now I am using two of the original Valve Arts, with a Sylvania CHS-6SN7GT (VT-231) in position 9 on each amp.  I have two pair of chrome domes (Sylvania CHS 6SN7W's) that were in the amps before they went for Bill's mods, but I am being cautious about tube rolling since their return, so as to calibrate changes better.  I also have a few pair of RCA and Tung Sol 6SN7 GTBs that I want to try out. The worst so far were the EH 6SN7s, which Bill found created noise in my amps, and which were a step down from the original Valve Arts!  I enjoy tube rolling and just grabbed some interesting 6SN7s and 5687s off ebay that I am waiting to receive.  The holidays will be good time for rolling !   

I tried EH KT88s,Tung Sol reissue 6550s and Sovtek 6550s (borrowed from an ARC amp).  Currently I use the Tung Sol reissue which may be a little faster and better resolving (brighter?) than the EH KT88s.  Bigger difference can be heard through input and driver tube rolling, to which there is no end.    I like the RCA red base 5692 on input and Sylvania VT-231s as drivers but there are so many different combinations that works good too. 

And since ya asked for some details, here goes (everyone else can go grab a beer... or glass of vino):    

Audio chain runs as follows: Benz Glider cart through Rega 25 table/RB600 arm, to a Wright Sound Co phono stage (with Sovtek 12AX7 LPS's and Brimar 12AU7's), to a ModWright SWL 9.0SE (with Tung Sol 5687s, formerly Amperex 7119s, which I found sounded great but were too microphonic), to the Canes, to one of two, expanding to three, sets of speakers, which I swap in and out. I have the Bella 1 speakers with external crossover from Bill Baker, which sound great, and I also landed a nice set of Dave Ellis' 1801b's, which sound really great in different ways (perhaps more nuanced), and arriving very soon (I hear, but no real hurry Bob!) will be a pair of SP Timepiece mini's.

The amazing thing is that with the ModWright going to the Canes, everyone who hears my system wants to know where the bass units are.    Both my existing sets of speakers are two-way, but easily generate the great full bass that I hear in most of the jazz and other music I play.  I don't listen to that much pipe organ, so the missing the really lo octaves does not bother me.  I really like the musicality and coherent sound I get from the two-way speakers (but I have heard some really good 3 way speakers recently, that started me thinking... but I just don't feel like I am missing anything critical at this point.)  Oh yeah, I just added some Grover Huffman SC interconnects to my existing connection and they are sounding very very nice.  CD playback is the MSB nelson DAC III with separate MSB power supply, with a Tascam transport, and coax connection.  So, I hope that didn't put you to sleep. zzzz

I was not sure from your post: do you have modded Canes, or factory originals?  What 6SN7's ya usin'?  Inquiring ears want to know!  Any changes to the ModWright tubing?  Please feel free to send along any Cane secrets (like how to keep our kitten off them), and how to keep my nephews from pushing in my tweeter domes when they visit.  (and my wife says no artillery...)

Bill C

      

I use SWL as well.  I still use the cryoed Tung Sol that Dan offers in my preamp.  I am on the vinyl kick at the moment and sadly neglecting the digital end.  I spin two tables so that I can cue one up and be ready to go when one is done.  I have heard great things about Wright Sound phonostage.  I use Art Audio Vinyl One (Telefunken 12AXes) paired to Rosewood Sig and Modwright phono paired to Ruby3.  I have been busy listening to a lot of records lately -- I mad a vow to listen to every boxed Opera LPs I have and I am getting there. 

The best way to keep your cat off your amp is not to have a cat.  aa  If you already have one, you just have to keep the cat away from your music room.    

I use a dab of Walker SST extreme on my tube pins -- I can hear improvements. 

BTW, I use the canes to drive 4 midrange panels as well as a tweeter on my RM40s.  I have also tried the Canes on Bill's AV1s with Zeroformers/external X-over to a very good result.  Right now the AV1s are being driven by Von Gaylord integrated in my bedroom.  The cryoed JAN 6550 (Kuhl tube) really shine here and I would guess they would be really good on the Cane's except they cost too much.

[Bill Baker]

I have been busy listening to a lot of records lately -- I mad a vow to listen to every boxed Opera LPs I have and I am getting there.

 Lucky you woodsyi, I haven't had time to spin even one of "those" Opera LP's yet Things have been nuts around here try to finish up the yearend rush and dealing with a lack of communication from parts vendors. Trying to source a few select parts has been nextto impossible.

 I will make time to spin those LP's soon enough.

[Bill Baker]

 We are starting to get squeezed by all the large tube amps sitting on the floor in the showroom. I am trying to get all mods and products out by the year's end as we set up our new reference systems. To help move these Hurricanes a bit quicker, I will include shipping to the lower 48 and will split shipping to Canada.

 Also, to help with cost on the Signature version, we can accept a 50% down payment at time of orders rather than being paid in full.

To recap pricing

STOCK UNITS - At time of purchase, we will go through both amplifiers and replace all cathode and ground resistors on the power tubes and fully test the pair to assure a long invested interest in your listening experience. Delivery time --------- inquire.

If interested, we can also perform full EXtreme modifications at time of ordering. Modified units will come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Modifications include your choice of AuriCap, SoniCap Platinum or V-Cap Teflon capacitors.

I had an inquiry (a few inquiries now) about these amps asking if I could use MultiCaps in the modification just as was used in the original pair Harry Pearson reviewed so many years ago. So, for those who want the "Harry Pearson" version but in a sturdier, nicer chassis, I can do the modification using all the MultiCap coupling capacitors. The price would be the same as the Signature---- $5,400. Same 1 year warranty applies.

Stock $3,200 with upgraded resistors as mentioned above.
Signature $5,400(AuriCap, SoniCap Gen I or Gen II or MultiCap capacitors)Contact us about details on Signature modification.
EXtreme Platinum Teflon $6,999 (still $6399 for AC members)
EXtreme V-Cap Teflon $7,500 (originally sell for $10,400) (Still $7200 for AC members)

Stock and Signature units must be paid in advance. EXtreme mods require a 50% deposit at time of ordering with balance due when amps are completed and ready for shipping.


VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC, Paypal +2%, Check, Cash ---- NO COD

[Bill Baker]

Last chance offer. We have decided if these don't get spoken for by the end of this week, 12/15/07, they will hit the benches for a Full Mundorf Silver/Oil Extreme modification to power our CLS-9 speakers in our evloving reference system.