2. amps-preamps
  3. 1343871243

Where's the trade off?

Hi. I run a Rogue Cronus Magnum with Harbeth C7ES3's and a Audiolab 8200cdq as a source. I love my system with the exception of wishing I had some tighter bass. I find that I don't listen to music as much as I did when I had a solid state amp because I can't leave my amp on all the time. My previous set up was a NAD C317 (loved) with B&W DM 602's (also loved). With that old NAD integrated, I listened to tunes all the time. Now I turn on the TV when I would normally want to listen to music on week nights because of warm up time and tube usage. I find my current system to sound similar to my old system. My question is, does anyone think I can find a solid state amp that sounds similar to my Rogue? Can I go back to solid state and still be happy? I must be able too because I had it before. That NAD amp didn't sound that much different to me than what I have now. The NAD was not bright at all and it was very musical from what I remember. I'm wondering if I should be looking at a Luxman, LFD etc? I've tube rolled and that's helped me out a lot but it doesn't help with the fact that I have to wait for my amp to warm up. I'm not a patient person when it comes to music. My speaker cables are Audioquest Rockefellers and I can't remember who makes my interconnect, although I really don;t think I can hear differences between similar cables.
donjr
arh
366 posts
 
I never understand this waiting 25 minutes for warmup. I have had tube amps for 60 years and never had one that I didn't enjoy the moment I turned it on. Currently I have a VTL ST-85 and there is almost no change in sound from cold start to hours of listening. My Shindo preamp also sounds great from cold start. Just relax and enjoy the music.
Alan
bojack
652 posts
 
I have a novel idea: Sell everything and buy an NAD C317 and pair of B&W DM 602s. My little NAD 7225 stomps all over many of today's gear in musical terms and has stood the test of time for the very reason you mention...it makes you want to listen to your CDs.
wdrazek
100 posts
 
If the warm up time bothers you and you were happy before you made the switch you are not a tube guy. I've had both, have loved both but am solid state (NAD, no less) now. Either a c370 or newer or one of the other options mentioned above will probably help get you back into the music. And that's all that matters, isn't it?

Also, don't forget to look at the higher end NAD's if you are moving up the price ladder.
ths364
181 posts
 
I wouldn't let tube usage stop me from listening ever. They're SUPPOSED to be disposable! The way I look at warm up time is: even cold it's likely damn good sounding. After an hour it's magical and after a few hours downright beguiling. I'm talking about a Dynaco ST-70, with a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10's; as much as I like this system, it's nothing fancy, and I'd bet your system sounds much, much better. I'd just get depressed even trying to quantify how much better I bet your system sounds- enjoy it. If you're determined to make a change amp-wise though, I've had both NAD and Luxman. Nothing against NAD- it was better than I expected it to be, and if it was all I had I'd be totally content. I still have Luxman- and when I hook it up- I LOVE it. Every time.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
I think I hear differences with warmup but its always hard to determine these cause/effect type things conclusively.

I think I hear warmup having a bigger effect with my SS gear (which is less problematic to keep on during idle time as well luckily) than I do with my tube gear. Tubes seem to "warm up" faster. Good thing too! Quality tubes for hi fi audio are EXPENSIVE already these days and will probably only become more so over time.
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