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Threshold S300 Power Amplifier

This is my first foray into the high end area of audio. I have a few questions please. By the way this amplifier will be used with Magnapan 1.6 speakers eventually. Right now I am using Mirage OM-9 omni speakers. They are 6 ohms. These sound to me like the original "Time Windows" for anyone who remembers them. The amp has already been serviced with new caps, speakers terminals,etc.

1. Does anyone know why Nelson Pass decided to make class A and class A/AB power amps? I've heard that class A amps are sweeter and more warm than class A/AB. Is this a fact?
2. What pre-amp that can accomodate at least 2 reel to reel tape decks and the Original Elite Rock Turntable sound great with this amp?
3. What power cable, speaker cable and interconnects will make this amplifier sound its best? I listen mostly to large and small scale choral and orchestral works as well as jazz groups. I love a warm sound and the sound of the human voice especially choral works. I am willing to listen to and learn from all comments. And I plan to benefit from all that's said here. Thanks so much.
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Showing 1 response by johnss

johnss
607 posts
 
With the S300 the single biggest thing you can do is add a set of bypass caps to the two main filter caps. This will be bigger than a power cord. If I remember, the rail voltages on the S300 are 80VDC, so you would want to use 100VDC caps as a min. Try a 3.3uf, a .47uf and a .01uf in parallel on each caps. Parts cost will set you back about 6 bucks.

The S300 and S500 benefit greatly from parts upgrades, especially the resistors if Vishay bulk foil are installed, but that is a story for another time.

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