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Choice of tube amp?

I`ve auditioned some tube poweramps lately, the Rogue Zeus and the VTL S-400. This has left me contemplating a change from SS to tube power amplification.
My system consists of: APL Hifi NWO-2 cd/tube preamp, Pass Labs X350.5 and Martin Logan Summit. The APL and Summits are here to stay :) The Pass is up for discussion :) The Pass, in my setup, is a little dry sounding and doesn`t involve me as much as I know the APL and Summits are capable of. I`ve researched a little more than Rogue and VTL. I`ve been talking to VAC, Audio Valve, Wolcott, CJ and Cary. Any suggestions? And how they will compare to the Pass in my setup? If you feel my question is dumb or that you need more information, just tell me :)
mibviking
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
think jadis defy 7 and conrad johnson mv 125. pass up the pass.
msunco19
14 posts
 
I own Audio Research monos they will drive just about anything. Bill Johnson is iconic in this business. My recomendation would be to take a look at George Kays new moscode HR 401. He offers in home trial for 30 days. I used to own a mosecode maxi 600. It was something else to say the least. The tube pre amp in front is only a band aid. George kay goes into great depth about the subject on his site. Like Johnson, Kay is a lendgend also!!
ali_azamkhan's avatar
ali_azamkhan
16 posts
 
Before swapping amps please check following things also:Is your panels proper runnin in.They took lot of time to run in.Placement is also criticle and room treatment can cause sterile sound or un invoving.Your amp is very good and it might not getting the proper current etc.If things remain the same than go for tube.I use to have Martin Logan CLS for eight years and I used many amps on it ; Pass lab,Plinius,Mark levinson,Quad,CJ,Accuphase, etc.Each amp got strengths and weaknesses.Pass did a very good job with my panels.So did the CJ premier 11 and twelve.Before making any decissions first audition the short listed amp in your room and system thoroughly and then go for it.
Good Luck
AAK
mibviking OP
21 posts
 
Ali: My Summits have been played for thousands of hours, daily since last autumn :) I used 4 months on placement and I have specially made diffusors from Svanå Miljøakustik www.diffusor.com to control the backwave of the panels which are dialed in to perfection :) I`ve also vacuumed them as recommended by ML. So I started this thread to get tips as I`ve run out of choices with my systems components as it is. Moscode is noted, going to check`em out. I`ve also talked to Mick Maloney of Supratek, his new Malbecs are meant to drive stators and ribbons :)
mibviking OP
21 posts
 
As of now I`m very interested in the new Supratek 100 watters, Wolcott 120s and 240s, Vac Phi 300 and Rogue Zeus. Anyone here own or have any experiences with these amps regarding electrostats or have an insight to their sonic signature?
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