Powerful Tube Amp for SF Strads?

Hi Downunder,
Yeah, I guess that is why there's that classic saying "many ways to Rome"??.. Well everyone's got their own/preffered cup of tea. I've tried lots, and this is where I'm at. And so have you I'm pretty sure. So to me, forums like these are basically just plain good ol' fun and genuine sharing..

Incidentally, I happened to be living in Sydney and started this undying hobby there! Still remembered started my first real system in '82. Bought my CLS from Seeto in Drumoyne, a Krell KSA80 from Len Wallis, and VTL Ultimate (first one imported to the country) from Joe (Audio Connection). Those guys were more/less my mentors, and as you see, they taught me that thing of having the best of both worlds right from the very beginning!! Great guys, hope they're still around? Missed Sydney too..

Re: FMA 122 Phono, 16yrs ago I came to a somewhat similar conclusion to yours with their FM266 pre. It was originally meant to be partnered with my 611 but ended up with some other tube pre at the time. Only to realize yeaaaaars later that it was actually the shortcomings of early premature digital gears that those FMA pre let through 'much more faithfully'. But then again back then, it's nice to have some cushions somewhere to soften my landing ..no ..make it hearing.. =) Cheers!

Bvdiman

Seeto is long gone - about 10 years ago at least. Len Wallis is still going strong - more home theatre I would believe than high end.
Joe is probably the No1 hi end dealer/importer in Australia these days. Joe has got lots of $$$ from me, including the thread mentioned Strad's and my mac amps.

cheers

Hi Downunder,
That's nice to know! I too, until Ieaving Sydney, bought most stuffs from him.. He got me started with some 2nd hand ARCs--SP8, SP10mkII, D115, then the 'new' VTLs--Ultimate pre, 100, 225, 300 amps. Also ML, Energy and MGIIIa speakers, and oh, his Cardas (still) Hexlink cables! Yeaah.. he should remember me being one of his earlier customer, and also one who forever likes to experiment/buy new gears back then.

Joe used to frequent my old home in Longueville and a friend's in Maroubra in his beaten up van, full of newly imported stuffs to do demos regularly. One man show--very vigorous, hard working and helpful, sure deserving his hard earned success today! If you talk to him, please send him my regards--thanks! Do you have his e-mail? Must have been like 20yrs since I've last seen him..

Lloyd - what is the latest in the amp serach ??

I saw in the flesh the Gryphon Colosseum and it was gorgeous!!

perfect match for my Strad's, aesthetically at least - same slim Strad shape

trying to get to listen to it next week at home if the dealer wil come around. not sure if it will satisfy my liquid tubes needs in the mids and upper frequencies

Hi Downunder!

Great to hear from you!...cannot wait to hear your impressions of the great Gryphon.

I have spoken with Schorly, Mihalis both of whom I know personally, and also a major hifi store owner here in London with whom I've bought most of my system. Independently, they seem to agree. Colosseum is cleaner, more transparent...Antileon is darker, perhaps warmer. I am considering an even older model which is rumored to even be a tad warmer/darker. Everyone has loved the Antileon and I am leaning towards it.

Because I have Zanden DAC and CJ Act 2 pre, the more I listen to SS vs Tube, the more I realize that my 50watt CJ is not controlling my Strads nor giving me the dynamic range these speakers are capable of. Though I did not like the Krell Evo 402 mid or upper, I realized how much power/dynamics these speakers can deliver.

I have a lot of warmth from DAC and pre...so while I could look to Wavac or Unison Research or ARC Ref 210, I am going to go SS but Class A SS...Gryphon, trying to hear Vitus. Please post your 'review'!!! Lloyd