2. amps-preamps
  3. 1424465123

Input Requested on Possible Amp Change

I would appreciate some input on whether it's a good idea to change amps. I have some Cerious Technologies React 2 speakers, which I really like. They are rated at 88db/1m/1m, 3.2ohms at 122Mhz...FWIW.

After I acquired the React 2's, I then acquired a Cary Audio SLP 98p tube preamp which to me was an audible upgrade from my McCormack RLD SS preamp, although it may be just the gain characteristics. Whatever I like it a lot.

After I acquired the 98, although I was thinking tubes...the 88db and a very good deal pushed me to acquire a pair of Cary Audio monster SS mono amps, CAD 500's. I've never turned them above 4, and that was LOUD! These replaced a McCormack DNA125 which also could get loud.

Because I like the tube preamp so much, I've been thinking tubes again for amplification and I'm trying to stay under $4K. I live in a place where most folks think Best Buy is the bomb so auditions with my speakers are out.

I guess my question is...will 75/80 watts each from some tube mono amps do the job with my React 2's or am I nuts not to stick with the Cary SS amps?

I sit about 3 meters from my speakers, turn it up sometimes for blues rock, and listen to mostly jazz and female vocalists at normal levels the rest of the time. This could move to 5 meters someday but probably not.

I am looking at some used Quad ii-80's (80w RMS each) and some used Atma-sphere MC-60's (75w with autoformers).

PS I tried the amp forum and although I know ohm's law, that stuff still makes my eyes glaze over. Thanks in advance for your time.
silversurfer0116
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I guess my question is...will 75/80 watts each from some tube mono amps do the job with my React 2's or am I nuts not to stick with the Cary SS amps?"

He doesn't make speakers that are too difficult to drive. Given your application, tubes are no problem at all. Unless you need to go loud with a lot of bass, there's plenty of tube amps that can easily drive your speakers. Power wise, I would say that a good entry point would be something like a CJ MV-55 or 60, or a similar amp from a different manufacturer. On the high side, you probably wouldn't meed anything more than amps like, VT-100, Quicksilver V4, Cary V12, or similar...
silversurfer0116 OP
15 posts
 
I hear you. I've read some reviews where some think the CAD 120 runs way hot. One guy said he felt the need to replace the enclosure with one that had more vents in it. What is your experience with this unit as far as heat?

PS I've recently seen one for sale at a good price.
silversurfer0116 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the reply. I do like to go loud sometimes, but I am not a bass nut. I like tight, authentic bass but not overbearing bass. I am leaning toward the Qaud ii-80 right now. There is a V-12 out there but I keep seeing "some" people complain about the heat Cary tube amps put out. What is your take on this? I've got a Cary tube preamp, two Cary SS amps, and a Cary DAC and they are all great as far as I'm concerned.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
You have good amps. I had the Cary v12 R and it's a great amp but does run very hot. The CAD 120's runs cooler and has better bass. Plenty of power and is a really good match with your pre. The amp should be in a rack that is open all around or open on the floor.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I keep wondering why the heat that every tube amp makes to a greater or lesser extent is so problematic. I thank Polk432 for the answer which is space around the amp or amps. Other than that sitting 10 ft from the amp shouldn't be much of an issue, I never found it to be so.
To the OP I like the Cary tube amps and unless you are concerned with the space issue I would choose them over the Quad which tends to the "polite" side. I must concur that tube power amps confer more of the importance of tube technology (tube magic) than tubes anywhere else they may be applied.
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