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Mesa Baron

Not a question, really, just looking to share something with any users of the Mesa Baron all-tube power amp (now sadly discontinued).

I just found THE preamp to match this high-gain amp, after trying for 10 years. It's the Promitheus Audio TVC (passive transformer volume control).

Over the past 12 years, I've used the Baron in 3 phases - back in 96-97, when it first came out, when I reviewed it for a publication; then in 2000-2001 when I bought and then sold one ... and finally, in 2004, which I intend to keep until Hell freezes over.

I've used McCormack's passive TLC-1 preamp (a pretty great match), Audio Research low-gain LS15 and LS16, Quicksilver Linestage and many others ... but something just clicked with the TVC.

Just in case anyone's still in the hunt to optimise their Baron's performance. Do note - all the while, I've been using the stock version. I have, however, messed around with the input driver tubes (AX7) - the onboard Russion Sovteks have the best punch, Tungsols sound cleaner and airier, and Mullards are just too syrupy for me ... :)

Appreciate any thoughts ...

cheers
bassraptor
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
746 posts
 
Thanks so much! I am indeed still on that quest, since buying Baron #54 in '96, and will try it. Mesa used to recommend a passive pre. I have also used an AR LS-15 pre (for many years). Would suspect your advice applies to all transformer-based passives preamps. IMHO, if your amp lacks the tri-tube mod (and their capacitor mod) and you are using 6L6's or 5881's, you are missing the boat; EL-34's sound far better in that amp. However, higher voltage, so they are less reliable; it goes in for repair every few years. Like you, I may upgrade everything else, but the Baron will be passed to an heir.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
Hi Lloydc ... I'm far away in Malaysia, can't find anyone authorised to do this mod, so have stuck with stock tubes, in 2/3 pentode and 1/3 triode mode. I always regretted selling the previous Baron I had, so this was a bit of luck, getting the very last unit left in the store. I worry about having to get a new set of 12 matched power tubes sometime in the future, hope Mesa stocks them.

When I plugged in the TVC, my jaw dropped ... since then, I've been fine-tuning everything else around this combination (I use JPS Superconductor 2 XLR connects for pre-power - Mesa recommended the original Superconductors back in 1996).

Have fun ... :)
audiomax
166 posts
 
One of the best tube amps for music...
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
746 posts
 
I can only imagine how difficult and expensive it would be to send the amp back to Mesa for the mods, from Malaysia! You might be able to get it done locally with advice from Mesa. The mods cost almost $1000 in 1998; they included better caps and 3-way switches which help prolong tube life. Yes, Mesa does sell (and match) tubes, and they say that the 6l6's they offer now sound much better than the 5881's it originally came with. Depending on whether you got it through the "authorized" retail chain, I suppose, Mesa still honors their promise to sell tubes to original owners for 1/2 price. You have persuaded me to set my sights on a Bent Audio TAP-X (the only passive/transformer-based pre with remote control that I know of; if anyone knows of others, please advise). Recently, the www.trafomaticaudio.com Experience Head One came highly recommended for the Baron by one who should know.
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