Amplifier match for MM de Capo i's

Hi,

I'm using a VAC Avatar w/ my de Capos. 27W in triode, 60 in ultralinear. I find that triode is fine, and preferable, w/ female vocals, most jazz and small classical groups. With the stock tubes, I almost never ran in UL because I didn't like the sound as much. Now that I've switched to NOS Mullard tubes, I find I like UL a lot more, especially w/ rock or symphony music. My point is, I feel like the de Capos benefit from the extra power when listening to such music, and I now mainly listen to the VAC in UL when I know I'm going to listen to symphony or rock music. (Contrary to popular belief, the VAC is not switchable on the fly, and switching while it is powered up can damage the amp.)

By comparison, when I had Spendor 3/5s, I felt I never had a problem w/ the VAC in triode at 27 W, that it was always enough power, even though those speakers are a lot less sensitive "on paper". The difference is that the de Capos go significantly lower in frequency response. I think that the 3 db point is rated at 44 Hz, but the UHF review I saw said that they roll off slowly, and have real energy down into the 30s (I believe the 24 db pt. was in the 20s!!) With that kind of response possible, I think the 3As benefit from the extra power. I don't know how the Manley compares w/ an Avatar, but I can tell you that the Avatar has the ability to generate some real authority w/ the de Capos, esp. in UL, in my 13 by 15 ft. room.

Terry

Hi,

A follow-up and a question. While my VAC and Ref 3As are definitely a step-up from anything I've owned in the past, I find myself wanting even more dynamics and "naturalness" from my system. I've been leaning towards selling the de Capos and getting perhaps a larger pair of 3As, like the ones listed for sale on this site now. However, Cyounkman raises an interesting issue about power. I'm not sure if upgrading the de Capos, or the Avatar, would give me more performance for the present. I've enjoyed the VAC w/ several speakers, and it certainly has better dynamics and openness than any of the cheaper tube amps I've owned in the past, like Anthem, Golden Tube, Antique Sound. However, I'm beginning to think that a 100 watt + tube amp would coax even more out of the de Capos. Another option is to upgrade my Avatar to an SE, for an extra grand. Several Avatar owners have confirmed what Kevin Hayes of VAC told me -- that the SE is more transparent and dynamic than the standard Avatar. Or, I could sell the Avatar and pick up a VAC 100/100, since they have been discontined and are now discounted. Any thoughts? (I think I will post this in the amp section as well). Thanks,
Terry

Thanks. Can anyone explain "high output impedence" to me? What kinds of speakers would be appropriate w/ such an amp?

While I've never heard the Cary integrated, my uneducated guess would have been that the Cary would be a little warmer and softer sounding than the VAC. The VAC certainly sounded more dynamic w/ Spendor and Soliloquy speakers than a 50watt ASL amp and Cary preamp that I previously owned. In fact, listening to a variety of speakers at the dealer, it sounded more dynamic than the $1500 Roksan & Creek integrateds, bested only by a Sim I-5 in dynamics/bass. (Thats why I was thinking I might have to go to something like the VAC 100/100, or a comparable amp, to improve over the Avatar in dynamics.) OTOH, my experience w/ Cary amps is very limited.

Terry

Hi,

Yet another comment from me. I agree that one of the "problems" w/ the de Capos is that they are almost ruthlessly revealing, as trite as that sounds. I've been posting comments, questions and thoughts here and on AA the last few days relating to the de Capos. I agree as to the ASL suggestion for a budget amp w/ the de Capos. I owned the $1200 ASL amp before I got the de Capos, and it was very good for the $$. Also heard the de Capos w/ the less expensive ASL integrated (the middle one I think) and I liked the sound very much in a smaller room at the dealer's shop. I believe it is a SET integrated, and gave the de Capos a little extra warmth -- a good thing I thought -- w/out giving up much LF info in a small room.
To give you some perspective, two of the reasons I've been a little unhappy w/ my system lately have noting to do w/ the de Capos. First, I sold my Michell Gyro/SME 309/ VDH and Clearaudio cartidges, and regret the decision. The Michell was difficult to set up right w/out local dealer help, and I fiddled w/ it a lot, but when it was close to right, the Gyro/SME w/ either cartridge, the de Capos/Avatar and a good LP were breath-takingly good. I just got tired of fiddling w/ it. Second, I have been doing a lot of tube rolling in my Avatar lately, with some very mixed results. So, I'm not sure its fair to blame the Avatar. The Avatar is very good w/ the stock tubes, and with the right NOs 12au7s, even better. I just can't leave well enough alone, and have to accept that no matter how much tube rolling I do, I'm not going to turn my Avatar into a Renn. 30/30 or Art Audio Jota.

Terry