Mid-fi tube vs high-end SS
Hello everyone. I am new here but not new to audio. I’ve been meaning to buy a high-end permanent SS amp for 2 years now. But not sure how much improvement I can get.
A little about what I have. I use a high-quality tube amp I bought for around $1,500. 55 watts per channel Class A. With upgraded tubes it’s a little over $2,000. The amp I have is the Musical Paradise mp-501 I’ll link below. Using upgraded Kt-170 tubes along with some nos 5693 red tubes and 717-a tubes.
My audio knowledge and listen ability has improved substantially these past few years thanks partly to this tube amp. Sorry for the long-winded intro. My actual question is, how much improvement should I expect going from this tube amp to something high-end SS like the Gato 150 and the incredible DVA M225? Very little reviews on the Gatos, I’m hoping I could get some help here, even anything about the Gato 150 from users would be helpful. Ty
https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=55
The Coda 16 is on another level. If you are looking at the Coda 8 - put Krell in the mix, I found the 300xd outperformed the Coda, was a step up. To be fair, haven’t heard the 16 but from what I have read, it’s an End Game, magical amp. There has been a 15.5 on US Audio Mart for quite awhile upgraded to the 16. That could be a great option at a great price. Seller lists it as the “Gordie Howe” of amps.
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Where do you live, I wanna hear that amp and those speakers!!! I’m in Plainfield, NJ, 07062 I might try a graphic equalizer, to ascertain if either boosting the mids a speck, or lowering the bass a bit would get a preferable sound out of those speakers. People tend to try this and that with the controls, too much messing about. I had one, found just a touch here or a slight touch there was enough. this one has a 32hz band, better when trying to tame bass, many equalizers start higher, i.e. 60hz lowest band. used one, inexpensive, hear results, go from there. you can learn a lot for $45.
independent controls for L and R help if room surfaces, etc vary which is often the case. ............................................. My speakers have 2 L-pads, I can adjust the mid horn relative to the woofer, then adjust the tweeter horn to that mix. Old days, they all came with level controls. Speakers didn’t know what space they would end up in. Adjust for your room, move to another space, re-adjust them for that space, or your preffered sound, or your individual hearing I use an inexpensive SPL meter, combined with a Test CD with many 1/3 octave bands. After that, adjust for preference, your hearing, ... by ear. Meter on tripod, ear level, listening position. $20.
https://www.discogs.com/release/7290000-Various-Amazing-Bytes tracks 9 to 38expensive, I bet I could find you a copy. |
