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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,
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.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Yes the Atma-Sphere S-30 was used in the voicing of Audiokinesis designs, but IIRC so was NuForce. Duke happens to be a dealer for both brands so he certainly had access to each.

My reasons for recommending these speakers is really about the flexibility and the fact that you can audition many types of amps with little worry as to compatibility. I have run 2 watt 45 and 12 watt EM7 SET amps, 35 watt EL-84 push pull, 70 watt KT-88/EL34 push pull, and 300 watt solid state amps with my speakers and the sound has always been pleasing, if not somewhat different.

I'm sure there are other flexible speaker designs out there and if I were the Op these would be the types of speakers I would focus on. I for one am in the camp that the system should be built around the speakers.
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