[Big Red Machine]

I can always go back to a Pass amp again.  But for my next move, should it be:

Spectron
Extreme Hurricanes
Manley Neo Classic 250's
VTL 450's
or Ted's McCormack

[IronLion]

Good god man!  Its not like speed chess!

[zybar]

I can always go back to a Pass amp again.  But for my next move, should it be:

Spectron
Extreme Hurricanes
Manley Neo Classic 250's
VTL 450's
or Ted's McCormack

If you just bought the BAT VK600SE, you could have saved a lot of time and money...sorry, couldn't resist.

I am a tube guy, so I would put the DNA-500 and Spectron last (sorry Ted).

All three tube amps are probably very good, but I know how good Bill's work is, so I would say Extreme Hurricane's first, followed by the Manley (always wanted to hear the 250's), with the VTL coming in a close third.  Price and availability could of course change things, but all things being equal, that would be my order.

George

[topround]

This is a silly topic

[RodMCV]

Oh, the pain of it all!

[zybar]

Pete,

Might be a little more than you wanted to spend, but there is a pair of Manley 500's on Agon that I bey would sound killer:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1221048362

George

[mca]

What did you not like about the Pass?

[Big Red Machine]

Pete,

Might be a little more than you wanted to spend, but there is a pair of Manley 500's on Agon that I bey would sound killer:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1221048362

George

The Agon forums or some review said the 250's were the better choice I believe.  I don't know th reputation of Manley other than durability, but not much in the sound category as I haven't paid much attention to them.

[Big Red Machine]

What did you not like about the Pass?

I like it.  It is perhaps a little too polite for me.  I think I can get more bass and some more fleshy midrange elsewhere.  It is my reference for sound so far though.  If my hectic pace brings me back to another Pass I will be happy.

[TONEPUB]

I'd vote for the Manley 250s off that list.

Lived with them for about four months and they were very musical
and very enjoyable.  The 500's use KT88's and aren't as magic as
the 250's that use 10 EL-34's per channel.

I never ran out of power with em either.  I could even drive my
Apogee Calipers with them!

[ted_b]

I vote for Ted's McCormack.   Very musical and at 1000+ watts into 4 ohms, very powerful.   

[richidoo]

The Manleys will be voiced to use their own "E34Ls" tube supplied by Groove Tubes. It is a copy of the GE tube, made on original GE equipment bought by GT and setup at the JJ plant. It is a totally different tube from JJ's own EL34 and KT77.     I have tried a few other new production tubes in my Snappers, including cryoed SED,  but the GTs are best by far. Buy them from Manley, they are just as cheap as GT but they screen and match better. They are $40/tube in bulk, so it would cost you 800 to retube the 250s. To me it would be worth it to hear what they are truly capable of. Also, the Snapper runs them hot, so 2000 hours is all I get, but maybe they will last longer on the Neo250. I've never heard the 250, but the snapper (100W) is an incredible amp. Powerful, extended, lightning fast, extremely dynamic, low output impedance and very low distortion. Also, Manley takes VERY good care of their customers.

I have a higher lust factor for the VTL than the big Manleys however. Heard at RMAF 07 with Theils. Very nice...

[topround]

I can tell you VTL will not treat you like Manley, VTL does not know what customer service is.
Luke is Ok if you can get past Bea. Their customer service will really get you saying ,"what amp next?"

[rydenfan]

Being that the HT3's are pretty inefficient I am not sure how tubes would work? I would say Ted's McCormack or the Spectron. You have the 36.5 in place so my suggestion would be solid state for the amplification.

[Big Red Machine]

Being that the HT3's are pretty inefficient I am not sure how tubes would work? I would say Ted's McCormack or the Spectron. You have the 36.5 in place so my suggestion would be solid state for the amplification.

That is exactly the sticky point.  For sure the Spectron has the kahones and the Manley may not at 250 of tube power.

[zybar]

Being that the HT3's are pretty inefficient I am not sure how tubes would work? I would say Ted's McCormack or the Spectron. You have the 36.5 in place so my suggestion would be solid state for the amplification.

That is exactly the sticky point.  For sure the Spectron has the kahones and the Manley may not at 250 of tube power.

250 watts (tetrode) will be plenty.

Whether it controls the woofer like you want is a different question...

George

[Big Red Machine]

Well, once the funds transfer, it looks like the Pass has been sold.  Oh oh, now what? aa

Still can't figure out if I want to play with tube amps or just go the Spectron route?

The Pass is hauling a$$ right now though.  I have it cranked up.

[AliG]

VAC ??  I have never listened to it.. but I haven't heard anything negative about them.

[Big Red Machine]

VAC ??  I have never listened to it.. but I haven't heard anything negative about them.

Which one and do they come in 350 watts+ versions?

[zybar]

VAC ??  I have never listened to it.. but I haven't heard anything negative about them.

Which one and do they come in 350 watts+ versions?

Not in your price range!    aa

George