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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
bassraptor
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
It's been a while, but here's something I finally hit on. I had put the Baron aside for a few months, also sent it for a service (one of the meter bulbs had blown). In the meantime, I got myself a McIntosh MA402 power amp and more recently, a C220 tube preamp.
When the Baron came back, my thought was to sell it, since the Mac pre-power was so musical. Anyway, I hooked the Mac pre to the Baron and voila! I was blown away, sounded like a perfect match for the Baron. I never heard it sound better.
So, it stays ... :)

Just thought I'd share.
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Have a Mesa Baron with Tesla EL34 blues, Hovaland Musicaps, hexfreds and Caddocks. Usually run it in triode, still a match for anything around.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
I like to run my Baron in 2/3 pentode, 1/3 triode mode. Yes, the triode mode is sweeter sounding, but i need a bit more power to drive the Maggies. In full triode more, bass can be a bit soft ...
daveyboy
7 posts
 
The original caps in the Barons were leakers I read it on a forum so I contacted mesa about it and it was actually true.When I flipped amp and took off bottom plate low and behold they were leaking and had them replaced.Great amp though but have since sold
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
751 posts
 
Agreed, there was one cap in each channel that leaked; Mesa got a bad batch of that particular cap, they were pretty unhappy about that.   Mine were replaced early on (22 or 23 years ago)  Except for blowing bias resistors every few years, while using El34 tubes, (the 4 bias resistors are user replaceable if you have a little skill with a soldering iron) it has been completely reliable.   The bias resistors as a point of failure was an intentional design choice, sort of a backup to the fuses, of which there are 3 per channel.   As an aside, “upgraded” fuses were a downgrade. 
   I eventually got tired of replacing the bias resistors, and at the urging of Mesa, went back to 6L6 and 5881 tubes, the way the Baron was originally designed, and that problem went away.  I preferred the midrange sound of el34s, but the 6l6s sound fine, and have a little better bottom end.  Everything’s a trade off.
    It’s still going strong, after 24 years.  Occasionally some noise, about time to see if Mesa will replace the ps caps.  The same tech at Mesa is still there, and he has dissuaded me from that a couple of times, “if it ain’t broke...”  Their customer service is nonpareil.
  My only complaint is about running a space heater in summer, but that’s the price for running an amp with 12 power tubes,
    
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