2. amps-preamps
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Do Tube Amps go better with QUAD 2805's Speakers??

I'm very happy with a pair of QUAD 2805's which I bought new about 1yr ago. I've been using a VTL 5.5 Preamp w/phono,
LP12, Zeta Arm, BlackBird, Ayre 7E CD, VTL 225 Deluxe Monoblocks converted to 6550c's w.shunyata Tiapan helix PC's,Diamond Racing cones on Solid Steel ampstands, Nordost Heimdall speaker cables. Also a Janus 15" Sub. I'm looking to get even more clarity, presence, and deeper, natural soundstage.
SO, I'm wondering that given that the Quads are much more effecient than my previous speakers; how much of a pickup woild I get changing to say the VTL 185 monoblocks in Triode mode which put out 100 Superclean watts? I understand the new signture transformers are Much faster and improved. With the overall new technolgy far superior to my Deluxe 225's Watts in tetrode.
Also, Have you found that tubes go better with Quads?
I also admit the list price of 12K for the new amps + new 9 mtr Balanced interconnects is a tad more than I was looking to spend, but willing to save my sheckels for awhile. I appricate any feedback form the Audiogon Communitity.
Thanks!

blue_strat
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Gary, that was my recollection from the "old" days. The Quads were sweet, but couldn't be pushed too hard or else. I don't know about the newer models either. I play a lot of rock, pop, jazz and classical. Right now I am playing Dvorak's 9th Symphony (New World) and it has a large dynamic range. I think the old Quad would melt.

That's a shame. From what I read, the Quads are very thoughtfully designed to eliminate time and phase distortion. I think I read no crossovers. I believe they generate sound by arranging the electrostatic panels from a point surrounded by concentric circles. Empircally, it make a lot of sense.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Well there is a down side to the new Quads. Where as before if the unit needed say a new clamp board, you just replaced the clamp board and that was it. The new units have a single motherboard. Makes servicing a bit more difficult. Have you listened to any Sound Lab Products?
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Gary (Hifigeek), no -- I have not listened to Sound Lab products. Can you give me a thumbnail sketch?
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Not really, go to their web site and look at some of their products. Obviously you would have to audition them. On the non electrostat side have you heard the new maggies? I hear great things about them.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Haven't auditioned the Maggies. I did look over the Magnepan web site. I am afraid they will be too large for my "man cave" and my wife will freak, even the 1.7s are too big. She already hates my Paradigm Sig 8 towers -- calls them monstrosities. I think they're beautiful -- the cabinets are gorgeous!!
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