WTB: Integrated Tube Amp with remote for Zu Essence

morganc · « **on:** 26 Sep 2009, 08:50 pm »

HI Guys,
I have been a lurker for quite a while and now I have a pair of Zu Essence on the way to my home right now so finally wanted to ask for advice.

I currently have an Emotive RPA-1 and I have a Melody SP3 to try out also with the Essence, but I wanted to get any recommendations on a great amp that works synergistically with the ZU's. I would prefer not to have to try out dozens of amps, so I would love to hear about your experiences. So far I have looked at and considered:
1. Cayin A-88T (perfect price range --$1200 used, sold before I could buy it)
2. Mastersound Se300b (more than I would like to spend)
3. Redwine Audio Sig 30.2 (no remote)
4. Melody SP3 (no remote)

I am looking to spend 1000-1500 or less if possible.
Any recommendations?

I also have for trade ( all in perfect working order and cosmetic shape)
1. Squeezebox Duet with receiver and remote.
2. Additional Squeezebox reeiver
3. Squeezebox v 3 in perfect shape
4. Grant Fidelity CDP CD 327-A
5. Jolida 1501 RC
6. Playstation 3 80 GB

Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts.

Another thought would be to keep the RPA-1 and instead buy a Tube Pre with remote..thoughts? For example this Modwright:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1259118929&/Modwright-swl-9.0-se

or this Rogue Perseus:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1258949978&/Rogue-Perseus

Thanks in advance,
Morgan

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 01:15 am »

Here is a perfect amp for those speakers.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1257543040

EL84s are one of my favorites with the right speakers. You can't do them wrong.

wilsynet · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 01:40 am »

I've owned both the 30.2 integrated and the Modwright SWL 9.0SE, and have used both with the Zu Druids. In fact, for a little while, I was using the SWL 9.0 SE as a preamp for the 30.2 integrated (acting as a power amp).

There is a perfectly good Red Wine Audio 30.2 with remote control on Audiogon right now with asking price $1500. For some reason the ad says no remote, but the 30.2 does include a remote for volume, so perhaps the poster just missed something.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1257351910&/Red-Wine-Audio-Signature-30.2-

The Modwright SWL 9.0 SE is a really nice preamp, and one of my favourites.

Differences? As a basis of comparison: Modwright SWL 9.0 SE, RWA 30.2, Zu Druids versus RWA 30.2, Zu Druids. Can't remember which DAC I was using at the time.

Modwright: Great drive and oomph. Use the Tung Sol tubes as they are very transparent and neutral. The stock tubes are a bit cold and thin. The tube rectifier upgrade will add warmth, but (to my ears) at the cost of some transparency. Has a lot of gain, so it may not be easy to use the full volume range on the Modwright with speakers as efficient as those from Zu.

RWA 30.2: Incredibly low noise floor. You don't know how high the noise floor is with other equipment until you've heard (or rather not heard) the noise floor on the RWA 30.2. Very dynamic, very nuanced and somewhat laid back presentation.

morganc · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 03:07 pm »

Quote from: JoshK on 27 Sep 2009, 01:15 am

Here is a perfect amp for those speakers.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1257543040

EL84s are one of my favorites with the right speakers. You can't do them wrong.

I have heard great things about the Manley Stingray. Has anyone paired them with Zu? Of course there is no remote, but I might could live without one.

morganc · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 03:11 pm »

Quote from: wilsynet on 27 Sep 2009, 01:40 am

I've owned both the 30.2 integrated and the Modwright SWL 9.0SE, and have used both with the Zu Druids. In fact, for a little while, I was using the SWL 9.0 SE as a preamp for the 30.2 integrated (acting as a power amp).

There is a perfectly good Red Wine Audio 30.2 with remote control on Audiogon right now with asking price $1500. For some reason the ad says no remote, but the 30.2 does include a remote for volume, so perhaps the poster just missed something.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1257351910&/Red-Wine-Audio-Signature-30.2-

The Modwright SWL 9.0 SE is a really nice preamp, and one of my favourites.

Differences? As a basis of comparison: Modwright SWL 9.0 SE, RWA 30.2, Zu Druids versus RWA 30.2, Zu Druids. Can't remember which DAC I was using at the time.

Modwright: Great drive and oomph. Use the Tung Sol tubes as they are very transparent and neutral. The stock tubes are a bit cold and thin. The tube rectifier upgrade will add warmth, but (to my ears) at the cost of some transparency. Has a lot of gain, so it may not be easy to use the full volume range on the Modwright with speakers as efficient as those from Zu.

RWA 30.2: Incredibly low noise floor. You don't know how high the noise floor is with other equipment until you've heard (or rather not heard) the noise floor on the RWA 30.2. Very dynamic, very nuanced and somewhat laid back presentation.

Thanks for the insight into your experiences and the info about the remote on the 30.2. Did you ever pair the Modwright with a different SS amp? I am trying to decide if I should just keep my current SS amp and add a Modwright Preamp or go to an integrated Red Wine or tube. I don't really have the budget for both unless I were to go with a less expensive amp. Thoughts?

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 04:12 pm »

Quote from: morganc on 27 Sep 2009, 03:07 pm

Quote from: JoshK on 27 Sep 2009, 01:15 am
Here is a perfect amp for those speakers.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1257543040

EL84s are one of my favorites with the right speakers. You can't do them wrong.

I have heard great things about the Manley Stingray. Has anyone paired them with Zu? Of course there is no remote, but I might could live without one.

that was gonna be my exact recommendation, but no remote. (their later more spendy iteration has remote, fwiw.) this is a killer sounding piece. i have heard it w/proac 1.5's 1sc's and tablette 8 signatures. fantastic sound. for remote, you could always find a used creek obh-12 or 22, (same as 12, but silver), passive remote controller. no sonic signature, and you could run it thru the stingray's tape loop, which can be switched out, if you don't wanna use the remote...

doug s.

morganc · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 05:14 pm »

Quote from: doug s. on 27 Sep 2009, 04:12 pm

Quote from: morganc on 27 Sep 2009, 03:07 pm
Quote from: JoshK on 27 Sep 2009, 01:15 am
Here is a perfect amp for those speakers.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1257543040

EL84s are one of my favorites with the right speakers. You can't do them wrong.

I have heard great things about the Manley Stingray. Has anyone paired them with Zu? Of course there is no remote, but I might could live without one.
that was gonna be my exact recommendation, but no remote. (their later more spendy iteration has remote, fwiw.) this is a killer sounding piece. i have heard it w/proac 1.5's 1sc's and tablette 8 signatures. fantastic sound. for remote, you could always find a used creek obh-12 or 22, (same as 12, but silver), passive remote controller. no sonic signature, and you could run it thru the stingray's tape loop, which can be switched out, if you don't wanna use the remote...

doug s.

Thanks Doug. I have an email out inquiring about the Stingray. And if there weren't enough choices already, how about this one:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1259244040&/Cayin-a-100t-vacuum-tubes-0703

I know that it will eventually come down to room acoustics and tweaking and my preferences, but I think I can learn from what you guys have tried in the past.

morganc · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Sep 2009, 06:04 pm »

I struck out on the first three that I looked at on Audiogon: The Red Wine 30.2 sold as well as the Manley and the Modwright. But I will keep on looking....anybody out there selling?

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #8 on:** 28 Sep 2009, 06:11 pm »

Quote from: morganc on 28 Sep 2009, 06:04 pm

I struck out on the first three that I looked at on Audiogon: The Red Wine 30.2 sold as well as the Manley and the Modwright. But I will keep on looking....anybody out there selling?

Hi Morganc,

I just received a Signature 30.2 Integrated on a trade-in for a fully loaded Isabella preamp. It is in like-new condition - and I have not yet even posted it on our "Special Deals" section on the RWA forum. It can also be converted to the Sig 30.2 power amp if you do not want the integrated version. And like all trade-in units, it will feature a new 5-year warranty, 30-day satisfaction trial period, new batteries, new box, manual, SLA battery charger, etc...

I have quite a few Sig 30.2 customers who are using the Zu Essence and really love this pairing!

If you are interested, please email me (vinnie@redwineaudio.com). Later this week I'll be posted it for sale in our special deals section: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65000.0

All the best,

Vinnie

morganc · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Oct 2009, 04:29 pm »

Thanks Everyone.....I am now running a Melody SP3 and loving it (borrowed from a friend). I spoke with the the guys at ZU and they recommend the MelodyI2A3. To anyone with experience, could you compare the SP3 to the I2A3? Or either to the Red Wine 30.2? DOes anyone want to sale or trade a I2A3?

Thanks,
Morgan

toobluvr · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 03:53 am »

Quote from: morganc on 3 Oct 2009, 04:29 pm

Thanks Everyone.....I am now running a Melody SP3 and loving it (borrowed from a friend). I spoke with the the guys at ZU and they recommend the MelodyI2A3. To anyone with experience, could you compare the SP3 to the I2A3? Or either to the Red Wine 30.2? DOes anyone want to sale or trade a I2A3?

Thanks,
Morgan

For the past few months there have been absolutely sick deals on Melody gear. On AG I have seen brand new, sealed in box for like 35 cents on the dollar!

The US importer was discontinuing the line and selling his stock, so you'd be taking on the risk of no representation here should anything go wrong.

I've seen the 2A3 integrated and the mono-blocks on offer. Was seriously wishing I had more simpatico speakers....those 2A3 monos would have been snatched up real quick!

I need more power, and was strongly tempted by the KT88 stuff. But I resisted, mainly because most of the buzz and accolades I've come across has been on Melody's low power stuff.

The Melody offerings seem to have dwindled lately, but keep your eyes peeled...who knows what will pop up?

toobluvr · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 02:23 pm »

PS: I see you require remote. I don't think any of the Melody gear is remote equipped. That was a major reason for my hesitation on Melody.

schw06 · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 03:00 pm »

That melody amp has a very special synergy with the Zu's. I get around the remote issue by having a source with the ability to change volume when needed (Modwright Transporter).

mca · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 03:09 pm »

Morgan,

How do you like the Essence speakers? Were you by chance a Druid owner?

morganc · « **Reply #14 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 06:30 pm »

Thanks for all the replies! I have learned a lot and am loving the Essence's....I have had a smile on my face all week.

I am not a former Druid owner, so I cannot offer any comparisons at all and I am not good at describing what I am hearing....all I can say is I likey

However, you can PM me if you want any info and I will do my best.

I think I will narrow my search down to the Melody amp, and go for the I2A3. This was the consensus choice by the ZU manufacturers and several of you who PM's me.
Thanks again

toobluvr · « **Reply #15 on:** 4 Oct 2009, 07:42 pm »

Too bad you weren't looking a month or 2 ago.

Like I say.......some crazy good deals then on Melody 2A3!

Good Luck!

toobluvr · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Oct 2009, 02:54 pm »

Melody integrateds on AG now:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?intatube&1254790898

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1257891869&/Melody-H-34-MK2-(may-trade)

Auction for the 300B integrated ends tonight. Hi bid is currently only 28% of list. Might steal a deal on brand new sealed in box!

I gotta believe that either of these is a serious step up from the SP3 you are listening to now.

Hugh · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Oct 2009, 03:31 pm »

+1.

Hopefully, Melody will add a remote control to their products in the very near future.

Quote from: toobluvr on 4 Oct 2009, 02:23 pm

PS: I see you require remote. I don't think any of the Melody gear is remote equipped. That was a major reason for my hesitation on Melody.

srb · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Oct 2009, 03:40 pm »

Quote from: Hugh on 5 Oct 2009, 03:31 pm

Hopefully, Melody will add a remote control to their products in the very near future.

Any manufacturer that does this will effectively double their potential customer pool.

Steve

Hugh · « **Reply #19 on:** 5 Oct 2009, 04:44 pm »

Agreed.

May be I can convince Melody to go through with this option.

Quote from: srb on 5 Oct 2009, 03:40 pm

Quote from: Hugh on 5 Oct 2009, 03:31 pm
Hopefully, Melody will add a remote control to their products in the very near future.

Any manufacturer that does this will effectively double their potential customer pool.

Steve