I can only imagine how difficult and expensive it would be to send the amp back to Mesa for the mods, from Malaysia! You might be able to get it done locally with advice from Mesa. The mods cost almost $1000 in 1998; they included better caps and 3-way switches which help prolong tube life. Yes, Mesa does sell (and match) tubes, and they say that the 6l6's they offer now sound much better than the 5881's it originally came with. Depending on whether you got it through the "authorized" retail chain, I suppose, Mesa still honors their promise to sell tubes to original owners for 1/2 price. You have persuaded me to set my sights on a Bent Audio TAP-X (the only passive/transformer-based pre with remote control that I know of; if anyone knows of others, please advise). Recently, the www.trafomaticaudio.com Experience Head One came highly recommended for the Baron by one who should know.
Mesa Baron
Not a question, really, just looking to share something with any users of the Mesa Baron all-tube power amp (now sadly discontinued).
I just found THE preamp to match this high-gain amp, after trying for 10 years. It's the Promitheus Audio TVC (passive transformer volume control).
Over the past 12 years, I've used the Baron in 3 phases - back in 96-97, when it first came out, when I reviewed it for a publication; then in 2000-2001 when I bought and then sold one ... and finally, in 2004, which I intend to keep until Hell freezes over.
I've used McCormack's passive TLC-1 preamp (a pretty great match), Audio Research low-gain LS15 and LS16, Quicksilver Linestage and many others ... but something just clicked with the TVC.
Just in case anyone's still in the hunt to optimise their Baron's performance. Do note - all the while, I've been using the stock version. I have, however, messed around with the input driver tubes (AX7) - the onboard Russion Sovteks have the best punch, Tungsols sound cleaner and airier, and Mullards are just too syrupy for me ... :)
Appreciate any thoughts ...
cheers
I just found THE preamp to match this high-gain amp, after trying for 10 years. It's the Promitheus Audio TVC (passive transformer volume control).
Over the past 12 years, I've used the Baron in 3 phases - back in 96-97, when it first came out, when I reviewed it for a publication; then in 2000-2001 when I bought and then sold one ... and finally, in 2004, which I intend to keep until Hell freezes over.
I've used McCormack's passive TLC-1 preamp (a pretty great match), Audio Research low-gain LS15 and LS16, Quicksilver Linestage and many others ... but something just clicked with the TVC.
Just in case anyone's still in the hunt to optimise their Baron's performance. Do note - all the while, I've been using the stock version. I have, however, messed around with the input driver tubes (AX7) - the onboard Russion Sovteks have the best punch, Tungsols sound cleaner and airier, and Mullards are just too syrupy for me ... :)
Appreciate any thoughts ...
cheers
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- 19 posts total
- 19 posts total