Pass amp vs McCormack with Silver/Gold upgrades...

Hi John. Just to try something SS without really opening my wallet I just picked up a like-new B&K ST-140 (105w version 2). I know these are a bit weak in the bass and high end, but it will be an easily recovered data point. I waffled between that and an Aragon 2004 MkII also on Ebay but my wallet won.

The only info I can find on the CJ PV-5 output impedance is 200 ohms. The ST-140 input impedance is 24Kohms (Aragon 2004 is 22Kohms). What do you think? I have never had a SS amp aside from receivers in college.

I looked in Audiogon for an Auricle and Coda, Clayton Audio and Threshold amps. There is a Threshold (above my budget) but none of the others. The Avatar sounds very attractive...there is one but it's 4400, a bit special it seems. Moot though as the 3K is out of reach right now.

Many thanks for the thoughts. I think the first thing right now is see what SS sounds like, keeping in mind I'm at the low, low end. I understand some cap changes can alleviate the wooshy bass and rolled highs in the ST-140 and at this price point I would not be afraid to try it myself.

As mentioned I probably need to be working on the preamp instead of the amp so I'll be keeping my eye out. Should you ever decide on an upgrade on the pre, let me know. I'm curious how the Auricle sounds relative to an ARC, CJ, or Audible Illusions...

Jim

Just looked up the input impedence on the DNA-1, 100Kohms!

Jim

Really? 100K? I always thought that McCormack's were around 10K and Pass around 20K. If your CJ is 200 ohms, you shouldn't have a problem, even with 10K. However, I think you are looking for something with more resolution than CJ.

I've heard the B&K's, but never owned one. I did own a Aragon 4004 mk II many moons ago, it was a nice amp for the $$$. When considering preamps, CJ and Cary are at one end the the tonal spectrum, the rich, warm vibrant end. ARC and VAC are on the other end of the tonal spectrum, the transparent, high resolution end. Audible Illusions is more in the middle, but leans towards the transparent end.

With the 24K inpedence input you should be alright with any preamp with an output impedence under 1Kohm.

What kind of cables are you using? If you're using warm cables like Cardas with warm preamp like CJ and warm speakers like ProAc, that also could be a mitigating factor. Let me know what you think once you get the B&K hooked up.

John

I hate to be Debbie Downer here, but there is little comparison btwn a B&K and a stock DNA, let alone a modified one.

John, will do. Thanks for the comments on preamp characters, that was incredibly useful. I should give you a percentage of the money you just saved me.

Cables? Well, um... I went to the local car/home hifi place, and asked for the best car audio cable they had; I think I got 30 feet for $30. You see I am just setting my system back up after years in storage, and am also the proverbial underpaid academic. So I need to take it a step at a time, but indeed, cables have been much on my mind as I focus on improving clarity. I am eager to find out what impact that will have. Would you have any recommendation, given you know my situation somewhat?

Swampwalker, I would love to read a long exposition on the sonic distinctions between the ST-140 and a DNA so please feel free if you feel like it. I did search for all I could find on that without very informative results.

Certainly you are right though, and I did make a bid on the DNA .5 Deluxe but didn't get it. Which highlights one big difference between the ST-140 and DNA: the price. My offer was 3x what I got the ST-140 for and I still didn't win!

Do you think the B&K will not tell me anything useful about how SS will sound compared to my 8B, that will apply for the DNA as well?

I do plan to get a DNA but am unfortunately not a doctor, nor a lawyer, so it will be a while...the problem with college is you choose a path when you are too young to realize how important money is going to be once you can't call up your parents in an emergency....:-)

Jim