2. amps-preamps
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Clayton Audio Class A amps. Need amp advice

Hi Guys,

I am looking to change my amps and for a few reasons.

First because I just upgraded my DAC from the great PS Audio DirectStream to the incredible Bricasti M1 DSD USB DAC. I love the Bricasti and it has shown that in my system it could offer me more with a more resolving and neutral amp IMO.

I am currently am using the wonderful sounding CJ Premier 12 mono tube amps. I love them and tubes in general but my speakers are the great Ascendo C8 Renaissance and look to present a somewhat benign load being 88 efficient and 6ohm but they are unique and have an internal firing 21 cm Kevlar Bass driver that is great but stubborn and the speakers I think will really shine with a iron fist control of that driver.

I love tubes, always have and always will but I grown tires of a flabby bottom which is exasperated by a unique and somewhat difficult to grip bass driver set up I spoke about above.

I want an amp that can give me as much tube sound as possible but with Grip and bottom end. I know this is a lot to ask for in the used $5k to $7k price range.

I have read and it seem like the Clayton offer exactly what I am looking for but wanted to hear from some of you guys if anyone has ever heard them or know of them or anything. Any info would really be appreciated. Here is the info on my speakers and I will also list the rest of my system in case you think that is helpful. Thanks

C8 Renaissance
Technical Data
Principle
• Three-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS Off)
(current damped outer driver with semi symmetrical band pass)
• Four-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS On)
Dimensions (W/H/D)
• 28 / 80 / 40 (without Base)
• 28 / 108 / 40 (with Base)
Weight
35 kg
Frequency Range
29 Hz (-3 dB) – 32.000 Hz
Power Rating
350 W Program (min)
Impedance
6 Ohm
Sensivity
88 dB / 1W/m
Outer Chassis (COAX)
• 25 mm Neodymium-fabric-tweeter
• 18 cm Woofer with XP cone
Inner Chassis
• 21 cm Chassis, Kevlar cone
TOS Chassis
• Ribbon-tweeter
TOS Function
• switchable (TOS Unit - Dipole AN / AUS)
Sockets
• Single / BiWiring Base
Dimensions (W/H/D)
28 / 18 / 40 cm
Weight
11 kg

Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany) Speaker
Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker cable
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect
Bricasti M1 USB / DSD / Volume Control DAC (New) DA converter
Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable
Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output StageTelefunken ECC801S
Audio Research REFERENCE 1 MK II w/Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes Tube preamp
PS Audio PowerPlant Premier AC Regenerator
Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts Tung-Sol KT120's Tube amp
Salamander Amplifier Stands (2) Synergy System AV Furniture Stand
BMI Shark Jeweler Grade Platinum 9 AWG AC Power Cable
Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier 11 AWG Power Cable
Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M 7 AWG AC Power Cable
JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2M 8 AWG AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable
Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable
PS Audio Noise Harvester (5) Converts noise to light
OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2)
Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection
JPLAY v5.2 hi-end audio player turns PC into a digital transport.
Fidelizer Pro Version 6.1
JRiver Media Center 19 Music Software
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Thanks Rich !!! The seller is a dealer and he told me the amps were made after the update was created and then put in all the newly manufactured amps after he came out with the retro update. He also said they went for $16,500.00 but the Clayton distributor / retailer TRI Audio web site says $13,500.00?? The dealer did provide me with the serial numbers so a call to them is def something I am going to do tomorrow. Can I get his info from that website? TRI Audio Marketing? Thanks again so much I really wish I could hear them first but it just doesn't seem possible. I would love to hear from CJ owners that would be great! Thanks

Zd542 At $16,500 I guess I could get a better car or plane..lol

Again its a trade deal and those are the retail numbers for sake of comparison but ya new they went for a decent amount of coin and even used with a trade its still a pretty significant purchase. Both amps I am sure are outstanding just different and im still wrangling with it. This afternoon I was ready for the CJ's and tonight back to Clayton's? Is not a painful or stressful thing is just hemming hawing a bit and waiting for my gut to step up :)
Any other info from the agon folks would be appreciated. Thx
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
I meant Mich :)
bill_k
912 posts
 
I believe Zd542's post was suggesting that at those prices making a trip to hear the amps would be justified, whether possible by either car or plane.
denon1
341 posts
 
Fsmithjack, before you go with Claytons, you should check Plinius amps. Audio Surroundings sells your brand of speakers and Eric (owner of the shop) says with plinius they sound terrific.
I usually take many dealers opinion with some skepticism, but I know Eric for many years and trust him with his recommendation. Plinius amplifiers known for their bass quality and 3d sound that tubes lovers can live with.
Btw, I have Plinius Hiato integrated and compared it with Ayre AX-5, and Plinius (in my home and to me) sounded more natural with bigger 3d stage and better bass.
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Denon1

Thanks so much I have heard those are another great CLASS Amp that has the great tube sound but with the grip I need. Awesome to know they sound good with my speakers. My speakers are pretty rare and this is great info. Thank you I am going to check right on that lead. Thanks again

Bill_k
That makes sense...lol. Just don't have the time and they are far away and not sure in another system I would get the info I want/need but I am in full agreement that hearing first is certainly the way to go with no doubt if possible within reason just not in my odd case. Thanks guys and love all the great info and idea's. Keep em coming if you can please. Thanks
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