2. amps-preamps
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Ayre MXRs/Thiel 3.7s

Hi everyone

My system is MacBook Pro/Lampizator Tubed Pre and DSD DAC/Ayre MXRs/Thiel 3.7s

Whilst I believe this to be a very good system, I just have a feeling that more tubes would make it sound better.

My Thiels are hard to drive and probably wouldn't match a valve power amp too well. So if I keep my Thiels, a hybrid power amp is probably the best path. Any ideas?

If I change my Thiels for a more valve friendly amp, I would need to find a speaker that my wife would give her blessing to. Something floor-standing, not too big and traditional with a nice mahogany finish. But if they were more efficient, it would give me more possibilities for lower power valve amps.

The underlying fact, of course, is that that the MXR/3.7 combo I already have is pretty bloody good!

Any ideas??

Philip
philipac
zd542
5,339 posts
 
A pair of Vandersteen's would be a much better match for your amp, in my opinion. I would go listen to some of the different models.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
If you like the Thiel sound, I'd say keep it. And the MXR. As I mentioned, have a friend who uses that combo and it is pretty excellent.

Trading down to an Arion HS500 with a tube buffer seems illogical.

If you want a more "tubey" sound, I can think of a few options.
a. add a tube buffer between the DAC and the preamp. This is the simplest.
http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/purity%20buffer.htm

b, use a tube preamp
also easy

c. change the tubes in the Lampi DAC for a warmer/lusher tube complement. (this needs research tho). I'm sure the Lampi forums should have some discussions on different tube characteristics.

I personally find too many tubes can be a bad thing :D

I tried hooking my Ayon CD5S to my old Audio Research Ref5 preamp and the pace seemed too slow/off. I recently tried it again with the Ref5SE and it sounded better but I still preferred just one tube stage.

If you want a tube power amp that can deliver enough power to drive the Thiels, have a look at Bob Carver's Black Beauty. I know someone who just traded his Electrocompaniet Nemos (1200W into 4ohms!) for these monoblocks and he couldn't be happier. He is also another Thiel CS3.7 owner.

http://www.bobcarver.com/vta305.asp

This delivers about the same amount of power as your MXR
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Whilst I believe this to be a very good system, I just have a feeling that more tubes would make it sound better."

After reading your post a 2nd time, I've changed my mind. I would not recommend that you do anything until you figure out what it is that you want from the upgrade. Your post is just too vague. Without a better focus on what you are trying to accomplish, you're more likely to mistake than anything else.
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
Why? MX-Rs are outstanding amps, capable of driving anything. I and others I know have them drving Wilsons, Rockports, etc. very revealing speakers and in some cases (Wilson) difficult loads with great effect. When auditioning components, I chose the MX-Rs paired with a Nagra PL-L over an all CJ system so I doubt you'll realize an improvement.
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