2. amps-preamps
  3. 1327691619

I've narrowed it down...

So my first venture into tube equipment will be an integrated amp based on the recommendations of this fine group of enthusiasts. I have narrowed the field to the Rogue Audio Tempest III, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, the Cayin H-80 and Cary SLI-80.

All of this is based on what I have read and what fits in my budget. The Cary is a little over but for something I think I'll have for a lifetime I'm willing to go a little over...

I will be driving B&W 602S3's until more $$$ are available for something else.

My intent is to listen to vinyl then maybe venture into CD's or digital music. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated.

Going somewhere to listen to any of these is not an option for me, and room size is undetermined as I am in the process of moving.

Thanks.
botit
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jwm,
I believe you are correct for the most part,but it really depends on the speaker you intend to drive. I do 'think' that some lower power SET amplifiers(I think my 300b amp is one example)operate without'any' negative feedback at all. This may be possible due to their inherent linear character. If this is the case then of course appropriate speaker selection is a must. I`ll check with the builder of my amp to be sure.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jwm,
Israel Blume(Coincident) confirmed the Frankenstein amp does`nt use any negative feedback, global or local. He said it is a zero feedback circuit.
Regards,
jwm
918 posts
 
Israel, said that SET's sound there best without any feedback. What say you Atmasphere. I think Very little local feedback is not a problem and helps most speakers drivers not flop all over the place.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
When all is said and done I believe the need/advantage for feedback comes down to amp design and certainly the speaker involved. Some speakers simply don`t need the additional damping feedback provides, other speaker types would benefit.

The proof is in listening, my amp has no loose bass or undisciplined problems,there`s good control,articulation and nuance, so feedback is`nt always mandatory. In the end what matters is proper amplifier-speaker compatability.
Regards,
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I 2nd Clio9s recommedation of Audiokinesis for a speaker line to consider. A great sounding speaker with the lower powered Atma-sphere S30s (30 watts, Class A, Triode, OTLs) - a killer combination at a relatively low price (for this hobby). I think the speaker was actually developed with the amp which goes a long way to ensuring amplifier/speaker compatability. If I did not own the Merlin VSMs, it is a speaker line that I really would be interested in; it caught my attention at RMAF.
More to discover