Hi All,
I reread this thread and want to thank you all for your comments and shared information. I did some more homework by reading other threads, referring to Harley's book, etc. and decided I needed "just do it" and purchase a tube amp. I figured used at $2,000 and a reputable manufacturer was a good place to start and would allow decent resale potential.
I have acquired a Conrad Johnson LP66S. I set it up about three weeks ago while my better half was at
exercise class: Theta ProBasic III DAC, Perfectwave Transport, PL Dialogue Premium and then my CJ 17LS2 preamp; with the
LP66S replacing McCormack DNA-500 and Coda CS amps, and going into Tyler Acoustics MMX5's.
Saving the turntable for later.
Initial impressions after some 30 hours of listening with the CJ amp:
First, no immediately noticeable problem with power or loudness.
Second, the overall sound seems more dense. I
lost some of that when I switched out the Thiel CS5's for the Tylers. Now it is
mostly back about 80 - 90 percent. FWIW, I think the Thiels were known for that
politeness at the expense of some dynamics. The bass with the tube amp seems more solid and clear in
the mix while still being textured.
Third, I think I hear more detail with the CJ amp. I am listening to Adele's "19" and on the song "Love", for example, there is noticeably more sheen to the celeste.
Also more sheen and brass to the cymbals on JJ Cale's "Troubadour".
FOURTH, I definitely have a layered soundstage and am listening to music and not just the speakers. I think there are more ambient
clues and better tonal decay. These positives really showed up with the CJ preamp. The PL preamp sounded lifeless in comparison. I mean like night and day different.
The previous owner was not using the CJ amp
routinely and suggested that the amp capacitors might need a couple of long
listening sessions to reconstitute the capacitors.....
By the way, I would not be afraid to buy again
from "Tuggs" in Washington state. Excellent packing job and the amp
looks like new! No trouble with FedEx.
Lastly, given I have changed out both speakers
and amps, I have broken the rule about changing one component at a time. Having
said that, there is still a touch of sibilance I noticed upon installing
the Tylers that has not gone away regardless of preamp/amp combinations. Poor recordings are not a fun listen.
The MM5Xs are brand new speakers with SEAS Tweeters and I have listened to them for about 100 hours. Tyler Lashbrook advised me from the very beginning that they can take a couple hundred hours to break in....
Such a fine mess I have created with things to
learn and adjust.
Most important, I can hear music and not just the speakers.
Again, I appreciate the responses and advice. You all helped me. Any further thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you! Dsper
