Best Values and worst values in SS and tube amps ?

I don't think the premise is bone-headed--if readers and posters take all comments as no more than recommendations made from personal experience.

Even then, one would want to know with what other components a person auditioned the various amps in question.

Still, I enjoy learning about what worked for other listeners and what didn't, especially if they give me some context for why their preferences are what they are.

I myself have heard only a few tube amps and never in my own system with music I know well, so I can say nothing about them. However, I have long observed that many people who use speakers similar to mine (high sensitivity coaxials) seem to fall into two camps when it comes to recommending amplifiers: one camp recommends single ended triode tube amplifiers of 2 to 10 wpc output; the other recommends high current, high power solid state (often MOSFET) amps.

I myself use Meitner ampification, which is high current and MOSFET, but not particularly high power (50 to 100 wpc @ 8 ohms). For the quality of reproduction, I consider these amps "best buys".

This is particularly so because the designer continues to refine the circuit and performance and one of his colleagues continues to offer updates and service, although these amplifiers were last manufactured in 1990 or 1991.

All I would say, then, is that you have Porsche tastes but can only afford a Honda Civic, you should consider the Meitner STR-55 stereo amp (50 wpc; stock units typically $400-450 used) or the MTR-101 mono amps (100 wpc; stock pairs typically $800-1200 used). 1991 list prices were $1600 and $3400 respectively.

There are of course many other good amps out there to recommend, moany or most of which I have never heard. I have listened to many much more expensive amps, but only in audio shops and in other people's systems. Such circumstances I do not consider adequate trials on which to base comments.

Other amps owned or auditioned in my system: Muse Model 100 (1991-92 models), Metaxas Iraklis, Bryston 3B and 4B (plain Bs, not NRB, ST, or SST); Quad 405, 405-II, 606, Adcom GFA 555-II.

Hope some other "budget audiophiles" find these comments helpful.

Regards,

Joel.

Joel:

General comments about gear/brands not placed in a system context are indeed bone headed, which was my point.

Do you think the system matters as much as subjective preference? It's possible someone who prefers the sound of a McCormack amp over another similar high value SS amp, say Bryston, would always prefer the McCormack even if you change the other components.

I like the Aronov for its fair value in comparison to the other big names, but the fact that its performance is excellent to superior doesn't seem to be primary criterion to the member who initiated this discussion. The recent Aronov LS960I tube integrated for something like $1350 mint in box was actually the "best value" buy of the year on used Audiogon postings. If I didn't already own one then it would have found at least one eager buyer. The used listings are sometimes amazingly reasonable for any brand you care to mention. As a bargain hunter I find all mainstream, high quality tube equipment from the big names too expensive at full retail. But labeling a "worst value" company out of so many high priced companies seems a petty slam against one, and a shorthand way to trash a great performing product line. Looking for the worst value is not my idea of enjoying a hobby, although I feel it is necessary to defend a company accused without even the detailed comparisons to supposedly support such a sweeping claim. My own experience is that the performance of my Aronov has favorably surprised owners of the other big name brands with comparable used and new prices. Aronov simply doesn't deserve to be archived with this type of discussion headline. Anyway, amplifier value relates to the entire system, including what type of speakers need driving, and what size room needs to be filled with music. Aronov makes a variety of speakers sing in my systems, and when purchased used (like all my equipment) is a "best value."

It's very hard to tell how an amp will sound in your system, even if you've heard it with other equipment. The best guide is still listening, though, even if you can't do it at home.

Just to prove that YMMV, I loved my Sim Celeste W-4070Se, right up until I sold it to make a big upgrade to Shanling tubes--the SP-80. IMHO both these amps are excellent value. The Shanlings are very melodic and musical, the Celeste was danceable in the extreme.

Linn LP12/RB300 Cardas/Cardas Heart, Shanling CD-T100, Klyne SK-5A, Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rod, Ensemble cables.