2. amps-preamps
  3. 159840-116078

SS vs. Tubes with Vandersteen 2ce sig II

Hello everyone,
I have been driving my Vandersteen 2ce Signature IIs with tube integrateds since I bought them 4 years ago. My current amp is a PrimaLuna Dialog HP Premium with the stock EL34s and NOS Ciftes in the preamp section. I am searching for a bit more clarity, especially in the mids. I would consider moving to a solid state power amp and either tube or ss preamp if it would provide the clarity I am looking for (and if I could find a buyer for my PL). Wondering if anyone out there has made the move from tube integrated to solid state power amp with their Vandys, and what sonic differences you noticed. I have heard good reports about Ayre and Bryston, for example, and have seen several of each for sale here (looking at used gear only). My room is sizeable and multipurpose--open floor plan, with 15' ceilings. Listening position is about 7' from the speakers, which are pulled out about 3 feet from the back wall.

Thanks.

Vandersteen 2ce Signature II, PrimaLuna Dialog Premium, VPI Prime, Hana SH, SimAudio Moon 110 lp with outboard power supply, Jolida 100A, Auralic Altair, Mapleshade Golden Helix (double runs in biwire configuration), various interconnects (Blue Jeans, Signal, Heartland), GIK Acoustics room treatments.
eskelinfan

Showing 6 responses by eskelinfan

eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
Thanks, everyone! I had a pair of Gold Lion 12au7s lying around, so I rolled them into the middle slots of the preamp section, and that helped the focus a lot. Buy comparison, the Ciftes seemed "shouty," almost like they were adding reverb. I sent a PM to John Rutan, and will be interested to hear his thoughts. I had considered the KT150s, but didn't want to spend $800 on the PL if I was going to end up wishing I had gone a different way.

More as it develops.
eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
I had a great conversation with John Rutan yesterday. What a cool guy! He spent about a half hour with me, asking about my system, my room, and my music preferences. I mentioned that I am a jazz musician, and he told me about the drummer Billy Drummond's Vandy 3 system. He said Billy uses a Bryston 3B he bought on the cheap (used, I assume) and a Modulus preamp. He also talked to me about the problems in pairing tube preamps with ss power amps. All in all, he gave me a lot to think about. I am planning now to save up some coin so I can dive into used ss separates while retaining my PL integrated so I can compare them better. Chances are that if I don't dig the ss stuff, I can resell it here. Likewise the PL--not a lot of those  coming up for sale here.

Thanks so much for connecting me with John, Bob. Much appreciated.
eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
I just spent a nice day with my son, comparing the Bryston/Audio Research combination with the PrimaLuna Dialog HP integrated. In the end, we both preferred the solid state power/tube pre combination to the full tube integrated. It was pretty obvious to both of us, actually. I loved the PL, having lived with it for two years, but found it lacking in midrange clarity and bottom end punch. I suspect that with the right speakers, it could be a winner, but with my Vandys, not so.




eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
Hi again, everyone! 

I have been living with the Bryston/Audio Research combination for a few days now, and am very impressed. It seems to be doing exactly what I wanted it to--mids are much clearer, bass has more punch and authority. I haven't gone back to the PrimaLuna since I installed the new gear, but I am hoping to do some proper A/B testing this weekend. More as it develops.

Chris
eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
I located a very clean Bryston 3B SST and an Audio Research sp16, both of which should arrive next week. Then I can do some A/B testing and make a decision. Looking forward to the trials!
eskelinfan OP
7 posts
 
Great--thanks, Bob. If I decide to stay with tubes, I will likely hang onto the PL, and think about rolling in an octet of KT150s. Looking forward to hearing what John has to say.
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