2. amps-preamps
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Could use your advice re: tube gear

I posted a long discussion of my MC240 and 8B which came out of storage a couple weeks ago. After listening to them with several speakers in our little local shop, and in comparison to an Anthem 700 MRX SS integrated ($2K) driving the speakers I'm thinking about, I'm missing the highs I thought I was getting. Quite a bit. And on big speakers the bass is loose and very undefined. Both tube amps (with my CJ PV-5) had vastly better midrange though.

What would be a move to keep the mids of my gear but get the defined bass and airy open highs?

Get a SS amp (like the DNA-1)? But would the CJ kill the tight lows and open highs? Could I mod the CJ?

Can I find a (~$1K used) tube amp that has the lush mids but tight lows and open detailed highs? The Quicksilver GLA maybe?

Trying to solve it with speakers, I could probably find a speaker with much tighter bottom (B&W CM-1 maybe) but that would not solve the highs. I have some Superzeros with spiky highs that help but don't replace the missing air and space.

Your thought would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
river251
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,198 posts
 
What speakers are you targeting again? OR is that open as well?

The pre-amp/amp/speaker combo together along with good quality source material is the key to max out what you seek.

If speakers are open, getting something that will physically integrate well into your listening room is also important.

For reference, take a look at the new tube/Class D hybrid amps from Rogue. With many larger speakers out there today, something like that or a similar pre-amp/amp combo would likely address what you seek. OR if the tube amp is in good condition, you can find speakers to match to that well as an alternative, but the choices will be different and perhaps more limited.
river251 OP
154 posts
 
OK, so check out the Rogue for tight bass and tube mids.

My current speakers are:
Snell Original E -- currently waiting for new foam surrounds from Peter at Audio Note so these have been out of commission since bringing everything out of storage

NHT SuperZeros (original ones -- no sub)

Realistic Minimus 7 Walnut (don't laugh)

Speakers I'm considering:

B&W PM-1 -- probably can't afford these right now

Used B&W 805

Sinclair Brighton 460T http://sinclairaudio.com/460t.html

Haven't hear of these but have auditioned them for hours at local shop, and really like them, great tonal balance. 92db, ribbon tweeters, very reasonable.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Jim, I strongly advise you NOT to blow off Ralph's (Atmasphere) advice. Old caps DO dry out and may need to be serviced. Had the same experience when I pulled my old Crown DC 300 amp out of the closet. Sent it back to the factory for a check up. Quite a few passives had to be replaced.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
Yes, you can't store **any** amplifier for years (long enough for surrounds to perish) and expect it to sound right after that. The filter caps die if they don't have voltage applied to them occasionally.

If you want tubes to sound right- play bass right and do the highs right, stay away from B&W- for the most part they are designed for transistor amps and are incompatible with tubes.

I'd love to find some of those Minimus 7s - they were cool little speakers.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,198 posts
 
River,

I worked at Radio Shack for years years ago and I have a pair of weather-worn walnut Minimus 7s running off my main rig still out on my deck. They are hard to beat for their size and original cost ($100/pr or less when on sale). They used to fly ouit the store when on sale in particular. I should add a picture to my OHM Sweet OHM System. They fit the bill nicely for my deck use running off the Bel Canto ref1000m 500 w/ch Class D amps. I push them fairly loudly out there but never to the limit. THey are not young. Frankly most any 40 watt or so or better amp not pushed to clipping can work well with those. A tube amp might be a nice match, but have never tried.

Agree with Atmasphere. I would not touch most any B&W with a tube amp for serious listening.
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