One amp, 3 cd sources of varying flavor, 2 armwands with different flavored cartridges mounted. I suffer from Terry's affliction, but am happier varying the source than the amp to solve it.
Does one NEED multiple amps?
I saw this quote in a couple of different places, and each time it has got me thinking about its validity, so thought I'd see how many of you buy into it, either in theory, practice or both. Here it is, attributed to Terry Cain of Cain & Cain Audio:
"Start a collection of amps.
No one amp will keep a man happy long term. You need a young, firm perhaps not too articulate one you can swing from the ceiling with. And you always need a detailed and refined lower power one, the one you will never ever sell. This amp carves out the essence of tone and artistic intent, but cannot satisfy animal musical behavoir due to power limitation. With music, you cannot have too much fun. Don't let the amps get in the way. If amp -A- is complaining or not keeping up with your musical energy, just grab another and keep swinging."
Note my emphasis on the word "need" (vs 'want') as indicated in the quote. And who among you have 'just grabbed another'?
"Start a collection of amps.
No one amp will keep a man happy long term. You need a young, firm perhaps not too articulate one you can swing from the ceiling with. And you always need a detailed and refined lower power one, the one you will never ever sell. This amp carves out the essence of tone and artistic intent, but cannot satisfy animal musical behavoir due to power limitation. With music, you cannot have too much fun. Don't let the amps get in the way. If amp -A- is complaining or not keeping up with your musical energy, just grab another and keep swinging."
Note my emphasis on the word "need" (vs 'want') as indicated in the quote. And who among you have 'just grabbed another'?
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- 23 posts total
I agree with darkmoebius that amp flavors are most distinguishable in the low power/high efficiency realm. Have tried 2A3, EL34, 6550, KT88 and 845 tube amps. The EL 34 and 845 amps are keepers, my 34 amp does subtlety and the 845 does excitement, spaciousness. I am now looking at 300B amps for another flavor. I do not forsee myself getting rid of either the 34 or 845 amp anytime soon even if I get a 300B amp. I actually regret selling my 2A3 and another EL34 based amp as each did some things my present amps don't, still, we have to be somewhat sane here. If I had the money I would have 5 or 6 different systems, one for every mood. Now to the question of whether we need all of this, no way Jose. On the other hand, making an analogy to food, why should we settle for a one course meal when we can have a feast of many. |
Sns, Try some of the new low(ish) power PP designs like Audiotropic's Musical Machine. Poindexter also provides for schematics and parts list for a DIY version of it. This PP amp is so unique in it's presentation that it defies classification. Power, speed, and extemely transparent. My 7391A version does about 10 wpc, but also has a low level detail and agility that reminds me of the best SETs. **Brooks, I envy your ability to drop in on the "Walla Walla Wizard's" shop, they have some great listeing sessions up there. I need to make the road trip sometime this spring. How many chances will anyone get to see and hear one of Josh Stippich's creations? |
- 23 posts total