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 2 responses by unclejeff

My McIntosh 2102 serves a pair of Kef Referance 205 speakers. Yes, I do love my Rock-n-Roll!
A few years ago I went into a high-end Brick-n-mortar shop with the intention of auditioning a couple of surround sound systems. I really liked what I heard, then the salesman ran a McIntosh 2102 amp through the same speakers.

He put on some serious rock and I accused him of changing speakers...it sounded so good. He had to take me back to see the wires to prove that the only change was the amp.

I think you should go back and give the 2102 another try, having let it warm up a bit. Bring your own favorite music. Make sure they are using the same speakers.