2. amps-preamps
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Preamp/Amp synergy with Cain Abby's?

Well here it is: I finally got my Cain Abby's three months ago and they are completely broken in (800+ hours). Now it's finally time to try out some different preamp/amps. After talking to Terry (Cain) and since no amp seems perfect for my musical tastes (everything from World, Jazz, Rock), I am currently looking at getting two different amps for different moods with a matching preamp:

Fi Y preamp

SET amps:
(intended for low volume, relaxed listening sessions)
Bottlehead S.E.X. amp (already got it, but it is still not quite finished)
Fi X amp (planned for sometime in the future, fits 2A3 and 45 tubes, just love the looks)

Solid State:
(for more bottom end control, and a fast, tight sound)
First Watt F1

Any comments, experiences, recommendations?

The rest of my system...(just replaced the Super 3 with Abby's)

Well, thanks already in advance for all your help.

Best wishes,

Rene
restock
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,592 posts
 
The Wright 3.5 mono's are magic with your speakers. Plenty of power and an immediacy/intimacy that will astound you.
Not forward or bright and not slow or to thick. You must try it as nothing I can say will matter - you must hear them together. Talk to Terry at Cain & Cain as he also know how well they mate.
restock OP
831 posts
 
I am still kicking myself for not getting the Wright's earlier. I found a used one close by were I used to live (Albuquerque), but now that I am north of the border things are slightly more difficult.

I have read the Wright 2A3 amps seem to have a little more power than the Fi X and are a little quieter, while the Fi X can exhibit hum sometimes. Still haven't quite decided on whether to go with the Wright WPL11 / 2A3 combo or the Fi X/Y combo. I don't think there's really much I can do wrong though.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
You ever thought of using a low wattage Op chip amp amplifier on the Abbys with a tubed preamp? The combo is terrific. You'll have the low end control and tubed magic all rolled up into one. Super revealing and transparent amplifiers IMO.
salectric
757 posts
 
I suggest you ask Terry Cain about the Moebius line stage that he uses in his own system. This is very nice sounding design from Poindexter at AudioTropic. See the following site for more details:

http://www.audiotropic.net/Products/mobius.html

I built one a couple months ago and am very pleased with it.

(Apologies in advance if this is a repetition; I tried 24 hours ago to post a similar message and it's never appeared.)

Dave
restock OP
831 posts
 
Gmood, nice to hear from you. Well, so far I only tried the cheap Sonic Impact amp. While the performance far exceeds its price, it did not offer the ultimate in control for the Abby's. Maybe a T-amp with better powersupply like the Clari-T will be much better in this regard. Any insight in comparing the Clari-T and SOnic Impact from your side?

According to Terry the First Watt is the fastest amp with best bass for the Abby's. Even the person at Audiocircles (Paul_Bui) who has the Clari-T monos talks still speaks very highly of the F1, although he almos sold it....

Rene
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