2. amps-preamps
  3. 1315118405

Want ot replace RED Dragon digital mono blocks??

I have owned a pair of Red Dragon T-500 digital mono blocks for approx 14 months, and am considering upgrading. HOWEVER, LET ME STATE FOR THE RECORD....that for the money, the RD amps are excellent even at twice their retail price.

SO, WHY UPGRADE THEM, YOU MAY RIGHTLY ASK??...1) I have come down with "upgrade" flu. It happens every couple of years; 2)I recently heard in a friend's system, a Conrad Johnson 2250 solid state amp that was modded by them recently with Teflon caps, that supposedly makes a major difference in the sound of the original amp; and, It does!! I heard my friend's amp several times before the mods were done 3)I also heard a Pass SS amp about 200RMS that also sounded excellent, but it is far too expensive even used.

I am open to suggestions, but fear I may need to spend 4 to 5 times more than what I paid for RD mono blocks to hear a marked improvement. (The RD T-500s are $1400 for the pair at retail).I am very aware of that,and the law of diminishing returns which especially applies to amps more than other component in the audio chain BTW, the speakers are Acoustic Zen Adagios, a Bel Canto PRe3 line stage, and a Rega Apollo CD player. The speakers cables are Acoustic Zen's Hologram 2. A previous model Nordost Red Dawn links the preamp/power amp combo. Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Jim, if you are already using a Bel canto line stage, you may want to match it with a pair of Bel Canto REF1000M monoblocks. The REF1000Ms nmay largely address the issues of brittleness you are experiencing in the treble region, and are one of the most expansive, authoritative, and sweet amps I have ever used in my own system. REF1000M are almost as compact as your Red Dragons, and also produce very little heat. See my PFO review at:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/bel_canto_ref1000.htm

G.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
G....You may be right!!! I seriously considered BC's REF and the Non-REF amps before buying the Red Dragon amps......but,both the REFM-1000 and the REF M-500 were too expensive, even used.

But,you might be correct,that the BC's REF amps may solve the edgy factor and other minor problem...... Do you know if there is a synergy between Bel Canto PRe3 and the Reference series??;

I do not believe in, or advocate the theory that same brand separates have a "synergy" designed into them to enhance their performance far above other separates combos.

Nevertheless, I will check out and study your review, and the AG's sales ads under BC Thank you, Jim
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Jim, having listened a few times to all Bel Canto electronic rigs at RMAF, I should venture to say that Bel Canto components can sound absolutely splendid together.

G.
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