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
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.
mkaes OP
53 posts
 
once again, thanks for the info, my original post was suppose to say I do not want to jerk around a dealer as I intend on buying used. I switched the tubes in my Alpha to Mullard cv4004, I like the sound better but they don't have the speed and transparency of the cheap chinese tubes.

Fletchj, I can only compare my sound to my previous system, my current system is a little flabby in bass which I figured is a fault of my amp, I have a pair of Quicksilver mini monos on the way to try out, I do not have a sub because I'm an apartment dweller and do not always have the space to set it up, not to mention I have trouble getting them to sound right. If these new amps don't do the trick I will probably return to solid state amps as I enjoy their speed, dynamics and transparency, btw the LS-9 is solid state, thanks for help, mike
longplate
48 posts
 
It's a rare solid state pre-amp that works with a tube amp. Keep the Mini-Mites, lose the LS-9 and get a tube pre-amp. The fact that you like the Chinese tubes is certainly cause for concern. Like I said earlier try some good 5751s, you'll get the speed and transparency you seek. With the LS-9 and tube amp you most likely have impedance issues that will make any evaluation somewhat less then valid.
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