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Tubes and Rock and Roll, Can they go together?

I just got back from Harvey Electronics in New Jersey. I demo-ed 2 sets of equipment:
Set 1
McIntosh MC-2102
McIntosh C-2200
McIntosh MCD-205
Sonus Cremona
Set 2
McIntosh Mc-402
McIntosh C-45
Marantz SA-11s1
Martin Logans

The CD's that were demo-ed were Various Artist. I enjoy easy listening music, but I do have a number of CD's that are classical rock (80's Rock Bands) The tube set up was incredible on Vocals and solo instuments, not to mention their stunning looks. Probably the very best I have heard to date. The problem was when I put in some classical rock, the sound became less enjoyable and almost seemed like it lost definition and it's musical appeal. When I listend to the solid state set up, it sounded better with the Rock, but it lost it's enjoyable appeal. The tubes set up, I felt I could have listened to soft music all day. Besides buying the new 15K McIntosh tube/solid state pre, is there away I can enjoy classical rock from a tube based system? Would changing speakers help? Thanks!
musicaudio

Showing 1 response by jb0194

jb0194
476 posts
 
...I was lucky enough to see them at Carnegie Hall in NYC during the "Completion Backward Principle" tour.

The acoustics were simply incredible for a rock show.

I've never witnessed a more sublime blend of musicianship, stage show and sound quality!

James "Mingo" Lewis (better known as an original Santana band member, but also in the original Tubes lineup) was in town and came on stage with a full drum kit to add to the quintessential final encore song, "W.P.O.D.".

jb
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