2. amps-preamps
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I need help, please? Listening to my system through music!

Hey all,

Please indulge me as I'm having an audio/identity crisis of sorts here. Maybe you can empathize, maybe it's just first world problems.

So, for several years up until earlier this summer, I was more or less happy and content with my audio set up:
  • Acoustic Zen Adagios
  • LSA Statement integrated (I tube rolled it)
  • Jolida JD9 Mk2 phono
  • Oppo 105 BDP
  • VPI HW19 Mk4 with Benz Ace cartridge
  • AZ and Decware cabling

It was my steady system for about 3 years after going through different many speaker/amp/tt/ combinations.

And then, based on several conversations with AZ founder Robert Lee and several Audiogon members, I became convinced that I needed to go the SET route for my Adagios. I auditioned Steve Deckerts' Decware amps and liked what I heard, but Mr. Lee recommended Triode Corp. amps, so when one popped up on Audiogon I grabbed it and sold my LSA Statement.

Now, the LSA is an understated star in the integrated world; it's a hybrid, dual-mono platform, perfected by Larry Staples and John Tucker of Exemplar Audio and delivers 150w of transparent power. The Triode Corp is a pure tube, 35w SET design with good reviews and Mr. Lee's endorsement. I tube rolled the input tubes in the Triode and then let it burn in for a while, even though I bought it used from a reputable Audiogon dealer.

Result? The bass the LSA delivered is missing. There's also clipping/distortion on the higher end. I took it to the local audio shop who biased everything and checked connections, etc. and gave it the thumbs up. But same result. It's a different sound than the LSA. It's not bad, per se; it's just not a full or comprehensive or satisfying. had I not had the LSA, I would have been pretty happy with the Triode.

You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

MAYBE as a result, I really don't listen to music as much as I used to, if at all. I can't remember the last time I went on Discogs or to the local music store or even ordered any music on Amazon. I can't remember the last time I went down to my listening room and just enjoyed a recording. So, my questions are:

  1. Am I just over-reacting? And should I just sell the Triode and go for another amp and get over it? I'd rather not get the LSA again; I hate gong back to something I once had.
  2. Is hi-end audio, a hobby for the last 20 years, receding like many things do in our lives and now is no longer as paramount as it used to be?
  3. Is this a classic case of someone using music to listen to their system?
  4. Anyone else have these audiophile mid-life crisis issues?

Thanks for your patience and insight.

Warm regards,

Simao




simao
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,103 posts
 
Had you thought of getting a tube amp that simply has enough power?

Clearly 35 watts was not enough, but tube amps are available with a lot more power :)

I would wait 'til you're not happy with the current setup though!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
Hi @atmasphere . I've had an ARC VS-110, an LSA Statement (hybrid), and Rogue Audio Magnum M120 monos. I've loved them all but had to part with them over the years for reasons both financial and fickle. I've been curious about your amps, though; haven't heard a single detrimental thing about them on this board.
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
Yeah, me neither and his unassuming attitude and seemingly endless knowledge make me even more interested in his wares
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,103 posts
 
@simao OK- the real question seems to be 'did you have any of those tube amps on the speaker and did it make the bass you were expecting?"

From what I can find of the speaker on the web it appears to be a moderate load. But often specs can be deceiving if not accompanied by at least an impedance curve of the speaker. My concern here is that the speaker has its woofers in parallel; this suggests that you really should be using the 4 ohm tap if you are using a transformer-coupled tube amp.

The efficiency of the speaker is not criminal but its pretty low- so you do need some power. I really think you're going to need at least 100 watts to make this fly and a lot depends on how lively your room is. 
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