Amp for Apogee Stage's

Murahman1,

Yes - one of my current systems is an Apogee Mini-Grand.

I've done extensive testing with several amps - monitored
the voltage and impedance... I've seen the response of
tube amps vis-a-vis solid state.

I currently drive the Apogee ribbons with a Class A
'x'-series stereo Krell.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist

Muralman1,

I'm not saying that one can't use tubes - or that one won't
achieve a satisfactorily sounding system.

I'm saying that the impedance dips of the Stages, although
not in the same class as the Scintilla - ARE there and that
has an effect.

Although it doesn't sound bad - one may even have a preference -
but when you encounter an impedance dip - and the output
of the tube amp sags somewhat - then you just are not
ACCURATE!!

Some may like the sound - it rounds off the "edges" - gives
you a more "liquid" sound - but it's not accurate - real
music does have edges.

If one is a stickler for accuracy - then one is more likely
to find that with solid state on something like the Stages -
although I reiterate - there are plenty of tube amps that
can handle the Stages without blinking - but they cost.

Then there are tubes that are not as beefy - but they
sound nice to some even though they are struggling to
provide the current into the relatively low impedance load.

Tubes are generally more happy with the higher impedance
speakers.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist

Doctor,

I'm the wrong person to be defending tubes. The only ones left in my stereo chain are in my DAC.

And, I won't be defending solid state either. My PWM monos have buried any interest I may have had in the best of them.

Both types of conventional amps have too many negatives.

You are right about edges. The PWM amps have sharp edges, only approximated by solid state. The PWM H2O out powers my former Pass X-600. The H2O digs deeper into the Bass, and with complete control. There is so much more information unveiled.

Muraman1,

You are correct - every type and design of component has
their strong points and weak points.

It always gets me when someone says "..X-type amp is best
for all speakers, under all conditions, for all music...."

Tubes do certain things well, others not so well - and the
same is true with solid state. Their strengths and weaknesses
are often complimentary.

Additionally, sometimes the "advantages" of one type or
another are actually distortions that someone happens to
like.

That's where you get into philosophy - do you attempt to
make the system accurate - or do you attempt to make it do
what you "like" - whatever that is.

I attempt to go for accuracy to the greatest extent possible
and not impose my prejudices on the artist's music.

Dr. Gregory Greenman

Morbius, Like you, I base my audio decisions on what I hear at live performances. My Scintillas are very close to seconding my own piano.

I have found there are a number of paths open to approximating the live event. For instance, SET systems can be convincing. TacT is effective too. So far, in my experience, no path leads from solid state. Perhaps I just haven't heard the right one.

The fact is, PWM modules are much faster, and more efficient than transistors. They can retrieve faint signals that are smeared over by solid state. H2O breathes life-likeness into the music, given the right speakers. The Stage is the right speaker.