2. amps-preamps
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CAIN ABBY OWNERS - AMP ADVICE PLEASE

Looking to get into integrated SET with my Abbys, but on a PP budget. I actually aquired an very inexpensive off-brand 845 integrated that sounded amazing until it blew a transformer after a few hours of play (!). I loved the richness of the SET sound and the fat-mids of the 845 tube (while it was working!).

That said, could I find that same sound with a less powerful tube, say the 2a3? These tend to be a lot less expensive that the 845-based models and I can probably find a more established brand.

I don't much power with the Abbys. However, I do listen to many different kinds of music including rock and was kind of wowed by the punchy mids from the 845s.

My budget is somewhere between $700-$1000.

Could you share your amp experiences please?
gfields

Showing 2 responses by restock

restock
831 posts
 
There is an affordable good SET amp that works with the Abbys: The Fi X
integrated. I have a Fi Y with Super X amp (the next step up) and have not
found an amp that works better with the Abbys. Tight bass, sweet mids, great
stable images, with a slightly forward sound. The basic Fi X is 1000 new, but
takes 2-3 months for Don to assemble. The best looking amp out there as
well.

I tried a Jolida 302b (great amp but a disaster with the Abbys), Pass First Watt
(nice amp, but too polite compared to the Fi), Decware 84C (again for some
reason not the greatest match, mids sounded off, not so great images, sloppy
bass), Linn Classic (surprisingly good for a solid state amp).

Also, another good amp we recently tried on my Abbys were the Bottlehead
paramours 2A3 amps. Slightly sweeter highs than the Fi and slightly less
forward presentation. Also slightly softer bass, but the mids and highs were
beautiful with this amp. With the Bottlehead foreplay this would be a great
combination as well.

The only other affordable SET amp aside from the Fi that has gotten good
comments with the Abbys is the Almarro 205A. While I have not heard it with
the Abbys it is a very good amp.

For Rock music my choice would go to the Fi (probably with active preamp
though for more drive).

Enjoy the Abbys - they are incredible speakers with the right amp. Also let
them break in for about 300-500 hours.

Rene
restock
831 posts
 
Darkmoebius, great you responded to this thread - I remembered someone telling me about the Abby/Almarro combination, but could not remember who.

Gfields, I am not sure how much you are planning to spend, but if you will consider separates you might have some more choices: Fi Y with a Fi 45 amp, Welborne 45 amps, etc.

Also, one of the best sources out there is Terry Cain himself. He has tried a wide variety of amps.

Enjoy!

Rene
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