2. amps-preamps
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Rate my Rack

this is a stereo I have put together from used pieces, as I do not wish to jerk around I am looking for advice on what my next upgrade should be, I will probably buy used but I am not totally oppsed to buying new, my system------> Sony 7700 (as transport), Illuminations D60, CAL Alpha, Kimber select 1010, Audio Research LS-9, Kimber Hero, Golden Tube SE40, Kimber BiFocal L, Castle Severn 2-----> any recommendations helpful, if you have found that some of these components do not work well togehter let me know as I do not have the experience to know better, I just figured this system would sound better for the money than buying a system for retail.
mkaes
finfinder
73 posts
 
I'm with Plato on this one. I had GT se40's running as monoblocks and upgraded to Rogue m-120's . No comparison. The se40s have a loose flabby bass and the top end lacks detail. The Rogues made the flaws in the se40s very apparent. I've heard a lot of good things about the 88's also. The other thing about Rogue is their excellent customer support. Can't get any support from Golden Tube anymore.
sutts
700 posts
 
Dudes- Golden Tube has a nice little secret. Its their 300B monoblocks. Once (highly) modified, they are 7 watts of bliss. Mated with a good bass amp in a bi-amping situation, tough to beat. However, having said that, I agree, forget about support. You gotta know someone who can fix 'em...
mkaes OP
53 posts
 
thanks for the info I will check out the Rogues
fletchj
91 posts
 
Do YOU like how your system sounds? If you think the bass is flabby, then you could add a powered sub, and remedy that. If you think it needs to be more transparent, then upgrade the tubes, in both the preamp, and the DAC. You have a system, capable of producing fine sound, with proper setup. So if it sounds fine to YOU, then it is fine.
longplate
48 posts
 
I agree with Dekay, the Alpha is very sensitive to tube change. Using triple mica, black plate RCA 5751s I get a very dynamic hi-fi sound, which I prefer when watching movies. For music I opt for my Mullard 12AX7 longplates and their magcal midrange.
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