2. amps-preamps
  3. 1039334190

Transitioning: back to solid state....

Quandaries and time consuming frustrations...

This is a derivative of one of those tube vs. solid state amps. And, good god, I never thought I'd start one of these types of threads.

I've started some pretty stupid threads on audiogon, but this one might take the cake.

Anyways, after clicking my virtual system link, you are well aware that the centerpiece of my system is the not-so-reviewed and not-so-popular, the lowest of the low of all ARC amps, the CA50 integrated amp.

It is my first tube component, and I am in the process of replacing it. Tubes are simply a hassle for me, and, being too ignorant to know how to bias tube amps, I'd rather get a solid state. This way, I won't have to worry about purchasing megabuck NOS tubes or having to replace worned out tubes. Oh, and I'd love to leave the amp on ALL da time.

I've collected quite a lot of data in my cerebral databank about the solid state amps capable of replacing tube ones and are under $2000 used. The hit list includes Pass Alephs 3 or 5, 47 Labs' Gaincard, Bel Canto Evo 200.2, and Spectron's Troubador.

One observation I made when doing my research, besides the Spectron, Pass, 47 Lab and Bel Canto has received tons of reviews from professionals and amateurs alike with a one standard deviation of the population favoring each of these (That is about 95%). A great deal of these reviewers, including the professional ones, even tout these solid state amps as comparable or better than megabucks solid state amps and capable or residing comfortably in a tube lover's system as well.

With all this in mind, I've made the assumption/fallacy that I can replace my modest lowest end ARC amp with one of the fabulous solid state amps with improved sonic quality and ergonomics as well.

Assumptions, hypothesis, fallacies, whatever, they need to be tested, and, today, I did just that. I plopped down hard earned college tuition on one of the solid state amps that is mentioned.

What do you think is the result?
viggen

Showing 7 responses by maxgain

maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen,
such disrespectful remarks about the CA50. So it didn't get reviewed by the big glossy mags, and does not seem to fit into the current word of audiophile high fashion. But I do think you sell this thing short.

It's a VT50 with a smaller power supply(the VT50 is a VT100 mkII with 1/2 the output tubes, not a bad pedigree in my mind)and a very good SS pre section similar to an LS9 as far as I know. This is not anything to apologise about or be ambarrased to own.

Tell ya what I will send you $500 to HELP you out and take that lowest of low crappy boat anchor off your hands. Think of it as a contribution to your education(both your HiFi education and your college education).I just want to help out!
maxgain
526 posts
 
Sorry Viggen, I guess I wouldn't mind the lowest of the low in the Porsche line up. The lowest ARC(which I am not sure is true or even matters)is still high performance stuff.

John! is right about the Svetlana 6550c and "just say no to NOS". Svetlanas sound great in ARC VT serie stuff. The Electro harmonics 6550's are great tubes too but I wouldn't go that way in other than the new VS series amps. A friend tried them in his VT and they sounded horrid. He talked to ARC and they told him they got the same bad result when they tried them in a VT 100.
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, the CA50 has a SOLID STATE pre amp in it! So if you are talking about going direct into the CA50, you are bypassing the pre amp? Just some Junior moment?
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, Doh!
The pre is simimilar to an LS9(no slouch, nice and smooth and follows in the tracks of the well resprcted LS3) if I am not mistaken. I must have gotten the direct thing mixed up with the new SS amp and the rest of this stuff in this thread.

I will make a count of my amps and get back with you. I will count monos as one stereo unit and at one time I had 4 of the same tube Mono Luxman 3045's. I will count that as one as well.
maxgain
526 posts
 
Ok, Viggen, in nearly 30 years of fooling with this I have had ten different power amps. I am not one of those who changes amps like underwear. I had the amps I was using a year ago for 15 years!
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, glad you found something you like. Did you ever bias your CA 50?

P.S. Your buddy(MR. EL34,you know who I mean) is posting again! He must have laid low for a while.
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, I can't remember if I told you to let the CA50 idle for about 20 minutes before doing the bias adjustment?
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