2. amps-preamps
  3. 194078-91508

Anyone else constantly curious about amps?

I'll start of by saying I have a really great sounding amp, the Mastersound Dueventi. It's a class-A tube amp running in PSET putting out 20 watts of power, which proves to be plenty in my room. I have other audio upgrades that would be more valuable. I've slowly been replacing cables, a new streamer would probably have the biggest impact in my system next, I'd like a new turntable now that I've stepped up  my cartridge and phonostage... 

But I just keep coming back to amps. For some reason I just feel a need to bring in something new. I can't afford it. It won't be the most high impact in my system. I don't really have anywhere to demo several of these options. But still, I've been on a two week long rabbit hole exploring solid state class A options like Pass and Sugden. I heard a top in system this past weekend with Jeff Rowland driving the system and I forgot how great those can sound, so I'm finding myself looking at their integrated. I know Norma amps sound amazing with my speakers, so I'm always tempted to bump that up the priority list. 

Someone talk me off the ledge and help me with this sickness! 

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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,097 posts
 

I've been amp curious for a very long time.

Recently I've been interested in some of the lower power pentodes that are also meant to be easy to drive, like the EL95 and EL84. If amps based on these tubes are designed properly there's not an SET made that can keep up by any metric audiophiles value. They really can work quite well! 

One hero in this department is the Dynaco ST35. Its inexpensive, compact, and if properly refurbished, very musical. I recently rebuilt one with new filter caps, new RCA connectors, and set it up to prevent ground loops with a grounded AC power cord. If you have speakers that don't need a lot of power this amp is surprisingly neutral and musical.

I've also had an interest in some of the Electro Voice amps from the mid and late 1950s. These used a Circlotron output similar to what we've been using in our OTLs for the last 47 years.

 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,257 posts
 

@atmasphere I LOVE my ST35. Bought it and refurbished it thanks to your suggestions. What a gem. I was powering 87db bookshelves with it yesterday (Acoustic Energy AE500) and it sounded luscious. Just great.

fatdaddy2
432 posts
 

"I can't afford it"?? That should be your answer right there.  Why get the forum involved?

kennyc
1,808 posts
 

Someone talk me off the ledge and help me with this sickness! 

Not easy to do as many of us are in the same boat - our wants don’t measure up to our pocketbooks.  I too like variety to keep it interesting and fun.  

bigkidz
3,416 posts
 

That's why being a manufacturer and repair shop we get to hear so many pieces of equipment every day.  To be perfectly honest, upgrades to parts can make a more significant sonic improvement.  Swapping out gear is not the way to go.  Also, one amplifier may sound good with a certain preamp but another amplifier may not as good with the same preamp.  That's just how it goes.

Happy Listening.   

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