Markman: For a SS amp I think that the Electrocompaniet power amp (that Doug "Sedond" @ this site has been trying to sell forever) might make a nice match with your Merlins. It would also be easy on the budget as I believe that he was only asking $800 for it. I have heard both separately, but not together, so this is just a guess. I have listened to the Merlins with very expensive Plineus gear which was a good match, though again I feel that something a littler softer might have even been better (to my taste anyway). I am not familiar with the Hot Rod amp. |
Love's always on topic, Glen! Markman, obvious query: budget for the alternative amp? BTW, cummings used lower case and full-stops only: am I correct?
Cheers! |
Thanks guys for the support. I feel loved again. OOPS I think I'm off topic:~) |
to everyone who responded to my thread,thanks. i don't pay attention to caps, syntax etc. e.e. cummings didn't either. you guys spend too much time on the computer. as long as the idea and the info gets across. i have purchased millenium vsn-m speakers to replace my psb silveri. i am also going to buy a belles hot rod to replace my bryston 4b-st. i am going to get an ah! tjoeb to replace my NAD s-500. does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative amp for the merlins? |
Markman, SS or tube topology doesn't matter -- your ears do (and your pocket). Remember those tube Marshall guitar amps?
IMO, first single out 1-2 recordings you'll use in auditions. My suggestion: 1x Chicago R&B + 1x Soul.
2nd, speakers: capable of giving you bass and lead guitar "grunt" and reproduce harsh vs. mellow sounds (say, vocals). Many contemporary speakers offer this.
3rd, amps: should be fast with reasonable (at least) transient attack, and natural sounding timbres; otherwise you may lose J-Lee playing & stomping at the same time.
Ultimately, go for rythm. I used to listen to R&B on an old Jadis tube -- happily.
Most of all enjoy the music!
Cheers |
Glen, If I had rated any of these posts, I would have given you positive points for the Bose 901 idea. Audiophile they are not, but if the goal is to play at a high volume with low distortion, and you are not worried as much about imaging or tonal accuracy, they are a cheap way to go. I had two pair at one time (please don't spread that around) and they would definitely rock the house. I'll give you a few positive points to cancel out one of the Bose haters. |
Glen: It must have been someone who worships both Reader's Digest and Consumer Reports as Bose is almost at the top of the list in the recent CR issue (along with quite a few bad beers). Wish they would have stuck to what they are knowlegable about. |
I fear that people are losing there sense of humor here. I got a -4 on my post. I happen to think the delivery wasen't half bad. Unless someone totally objected to my choice of speakers I only deserved a -3.
Mr\Mrs Markman I apologize if I have offended you in anyway. You have to understand that some of the guys here joke around a bit. It was not meant to be insulting or demeaning in any way. Just having some fun:~)
PS- If you turn the music down. Maybe you won't have to write so loud:~) |
A good amplifier should be able to accurately reproduce both a Steinway grand and a Les Paul driving a Marshall stack. The magazines tend to use acoustic instruments recorded with "purist" techniques because with these recordings more is known about the sound. A well schooled reviewer should know what any number of major orchestras sound like in a variety of halls. They can use this knowledge to compare the truthfulness of a component's reproduction of music. A typical electric guitar recording has so many variables that it's virtually impossible, unless you were in the studio during the recording session, to use it as a reference for accurate music reproduction.
Based upon your stated musical tastes, you should shade your system toward components that excel at rhythm and timing. Your amp/speakers should be able to produce tones down to 40Hz with authority. Tonal accuracy, low distortion and clarity are also required. It really doesn't make any difference whether the components that provide these qualities are tube designs, or not. Enjoy your music. |
Thanks Sean. I did mean well, but could not control myself. In all honesty, listen to everything that you can before laying down your hard earned income. As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and hopefully you will stumble across something that attracts you. If the forums make it less of a tumble then so much for the better. My advice, if you are new to this passion is, listen hard, listen relaxed and listend long. Best regards, David. |
If I, Dekay or Glen came across as "pompous", please excuse us. We have been hit by a recent onslaught of "ALL CAPS" posters. It is both irritating and harder to follow. I hope that you accept the appology that i offer on all of our behalf. Unfortunatly, you were the one that was "unloaded" on. Hopefully, we can get this thread back "on target" : )
A TRULY musical system is one that sounds good on ANY type of music. As such, you will find proponents for both SS and Tube based products on this and other forums. As Herman pointed out, both genres have their high and low points and TYPICALLY offer specific sonic attributes. There are products that DO cross over the "sonic dividing line" though that seems to exist between SS and tube based products. Either way, most of audio is VERY personal. You pretty much have to listen for yourself AND try different things to see exactly what is most compatible with the other components in your system.
Given that "generic disclaimer", i see no problem with either SS or tube based gear working for you. As to your comments about tubes being more "hi-fi" and "elite", that is not necessarily so. Nor is SS gear relegated to the basement. Both have their places and it is up to you to find what suits YOUR tastes the best. Sean
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Sorry for the abuse you have received. There are those in these forums that find it humorous to make fun of those they consider to be less enlightened.
In answer to your question, to play this kind of music to realistic levels requires a lot of power and/or very efficient speakers. Whether this power comes from solid state or tube amps is secondary. The amps sound different but there are many high power amps in both categories. You need to listen to both to decide whether one or the other is more to your taste. |
DAMN YOU DEKAY. CAN'T YOU JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION WITHOUT MAKING US ALL LAUGH? "I THINK I SOILED MY ARMOR":~)
PS- YEP! I DID.
PSS- MY advise is to find a pair of speakers that do the trick first. Have you ever tried a pair of bose 901's? They might give you that "IN YOUR FACE" sound at high volume that you are looking for. |
PS: Just kidding Markman, about the CAPS that is. David. |
We all know which one is easier to read, but one looks WAY more important than the other : ) Sean
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WHICH ONE OF THE ABOVE POSTS, IS easier TO READ? |
Yes, I thing that you should give both a try. Then you will know if it's for you. |
YES, I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD GIVE BOTH A TRY. THEN YOU WILL KNOW IF IT'S FOR YOU. |
