alon model 5 mk 2

The Alon Vs can be tricky. They sound pretty good with a wide variety of amplification but they can sound truly outstanding with certain amps.

I used the solid state Herron M150 mono amps on my Alon V MkIIs with the tubed Herron preamp VTSP1a-166 and it was an outstanding, natural, highly musical combo. I learned later that Keith voiced the 150s on his Circes. I can't recommend Keith's gear enough.

In general Alons/Nolas really sing with tubes. But the Herrons have a good deal of that "inner fife" of tubes amps and sounded wonderful with the Alons. The tubed VTL450s sounded fabulous, but I couldn't afford them. And the Herrons were better on the bottom end.

I used the Black Orpheus tri-wire, which was OK, and also Coincident, but liked best of all the TG Audio wire Bob Crump made up for me. Tri-wirung is the way to go with the Vs IMO.

the preamp/poweramp mentioned are good as i am not experienced with a lot of gears
i just sold the monarchy se 100 deluxe which is 100w mosfet
class a cause the bass is not as weighty as the odyseey and i cannot afford to keep the amps
any good pre/power combo which has high performance/price ratio
norman

I tried for years to get the V MkII's to sing with a variety of components. I actually upgraded those speakers to above the Circe level with all new Alon alnico drivers, internal wiring, and a pair of Carl's outboard crossovers that according to Carl "contain more expensive components and are better than the Circe crossover." It just wouldn't happen for me, even when using a tubed preamp. They simply sound better with tubes, and I didn't want to go to a tubed amp. They also like power. I would suggest a tubed amp of at least 100 wpc (more would be better), and probably a tubed preamp also. As a hint, I believe I read that Carl likes the ASL Hurricanes.

I finally sold my pair of V's to achieve better dynamics in the midrange/mid-bass region, and a better mid-bass to bass transition. The V's caused a distinct mid-bass hump in two very different rooms I used them in. Carl began using two bass drivers in the Viper (I believe with staggered crossover frequencies) to remedy that issue. Reactions to the Alon/Nola speakers seem to be that users either love them, or prefer a different type of sound. The latest review in TAS of the Viper Reference explains the sound pretty good, and still applies to the sound of the V's.

Finally, I find Mingles' quote from Carl interesting since Black Orpheus uses a different connector for the bass run than for the other two runs, but I am sure it is voiced for the speaker. A used set of those should be inexpensive and should work fine. Good luck.

04-08-08: Mitch2
I tried for years to get the V MkII's to sing with a variety of components. It just wouldn't happen for me, even when using a tubed preamp.

I know they can sound nice with SS, but I really believe Alon's are best matched with tube amps. Not a tube preamp and SS amp. I don't claim to be an expert on the issue, but when the designer uses tubes to audition the speaker for reviewers, there must be a reason for that.

I finally sold my pair of V's to achieve better dynamics in the midrange/mid-bass region, and a better mid-bass to bass transition. The V's caused a distinct mid-bass hump in two very different rooms I used them in.

Interesting. You may have better ears for this, but I haven't heard this hump in my system.

I actually upgraded those speakers to above the Circe level with all new Alon alnico drivers, internal wiring, and a pair of Carl's outboard crossovers that according to Carl "contain more expensive components and are better than the Circe crossover."

Mitch, can you tell me more about these upgrades? What brand and gauge wire did you use? What brand were the caps in the external crossover? I'm interested in upgrading, but I plan to do it on my own without Carl's help. His prices are ridiculously expensive. Any pointers you can give me would be appreciated. -Mark

Hi Mark,
I purchased almost everything from Carl (which may no longer be an option), including new Circe alnico woofers and tweeters, Carl's internal wiring, and Carl's outboard crossovers that used upgraded capacitors from what was in the Circe. Other upgrades included Cardas binding posts, dynamat inside the boxes, and Sound Anchor cradle bases on spikes. I also refinished the cabinets. A lot of work, some fun, and a valuable lesson in determining early on what works well for the type of music you are going to listen to, before spending a lot of money. Instead of going the route I did, you would be better off buying used Vipers.

Sorry Jmlab926, not meaning to redirect your thread, but I believe the concensus is that you need tube amps to achieve the sound the designer intended for these speakers, and I would say at least 100 wpc. Maybe the Herron amps Harmonia uses are an exception, since she seems to like them. However, IMO, if you cannot use tube amps I personally would try other speakers.