Hi Fastcat,
My DNA-125 was all stock, and yes, I agree that that amp in stock or modded form is an all around better option that Mid Monos. Though I did not have that amp for long, I did enjoy it, but the higher power QSs sound more like music to my ears. Btw, the Mid Monos have had 2-3 different iterations:
V1: Beefy output transformer, small power transformer, and one bias adjust pot.
V2: Two small transformers and one bias adjust pot.
V3: Beefy power transformer, small output transformer, and 2 bias adjust pots (this is his latest version I believe).
V3 allows for better bias matching and tube life, which is ideal imo.
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@fastcat95 "...(.75" tweeter, and dual V.C. 6.5" bass mids). 89 dB sensitivity; impedance probably drops to 4-6 ohms" "...what do you think???"
My friend has a similar speaker configuration and spec, slightly more sensitive than yours, similar impedance - running with his QS Mid-Monos. His former high power amp w/EL34s drove his speakers a little better, more bottom end. It’s fine for low volume, but when he needs to turn it up a little more - having the separate/extra subwoofer helps quite a bit. As noted before, he is back to looking for more efficient speakers in order to keep the Mid Mono amps instead.
If you truly want a more comparable step-up move with tubes coming from your DNA 125, keeping your existing speakers, I’d say skip the lovely lower power QS Mid-Monos and go with the newer KT Monos -or- one of the prior generation amps in the 60-90w range. For ref - several prior products are listed here to keep an eye out for used market fwiw. Others here might chime in too. I think at least the former Mono 60s or Mono 80s would do the trick I’d bet. They pop up 2nd hand periodically https://quicksilveraudio.com/past-products/
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bojack: I think I knew a guy who had the Fried A3 with CJ tube gear, and it sounded impressive for a modest 2-way dynamic system.
As to your comparison of the DNA125 with the QS monos; was your DNA125 stock, or was it modded like the ones that Steve McCormack does? The modded version is definitely a step beyond the stock amplifier, and to an extent that I am cautious about the idea of switching to tubes. I suspect that the differences between the modded DNA125 and the QS amplifiers might be subtle.
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Interesting @bojack how you are using the small input/driver Gold Lyons. I pulled my vintage 1960s Mullards [had PSVanes] prior, out of my Quicksilver Mono 120s and decided to order and install the small GL (12au7, 12at7s) a few weeks back. So far so good. I suspect a bit more time is needed on the small GL tubes.
I did this [trying the little GLs] to try and bring out more of midrange body the prior-prior PSVane had, and yet not lose too much of the detail the vintage 60s Blackburn plant Mullards have. The GLs seem to sit right in the middle of the prior two pairs so far in the QS M120s. When the Mono 120 transformers are fully warm, it opens up a little more. I’m testing more this weekend with the new little GLs. Opt Bias is a kept bit low on the amps now. I will go ahead and turn the bias back up 10ma more on the main KT120 output tubes to see what happens - now with small GL tubes in.
For those same reasons you mention, I encouraged member @hilde45 to jump up to the QS Mono 60s a few years back. This was before the new version multi-purpose QS KT Monos came out.. Hilde45 has been able to try different speakers as a results, and his amps nicely run KT77s today IIRC, although I believe he’s also tried KT88s, KT150s, KT120s with different efficiency and types of speakers now too. I was in town and heard his setup with KT77s before. With those amps, the KT77s sit nicely between EL34s and KT88s as I recall it sounding. I can see why Mike Sanders decided to develop the new KT Monos even more so now fwiw.
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Fastcat95,
In a huge coincidence, I am the third person in this thread to also move from a DNA-125 to Mid Monos. I also used Frieds (A3s) with my Mid Monos as well as Spendor 1/2s, and sadly these amps (paired with the QS linestage and using really nice EL34s) were just too lean for me in the bass and mids compared to the DNA-125. They were also a bit grainy in the highs in my set-up. I solved that problem by eventually moving to the Mono 120s, which I still use now using KT120s and Gold Lion small tubes. I also own KT Monos using Mike's stock KT-88s (Chinese) with RCA NOS 12AX7s and EH12BH7s...absolutely superb amps that are far better than the Mid Monos, imo, in every area. Looking back, maybe I should have tried some KT88s in my Mid Monos to fatten them up some. If you want to jump to Quicksilvers, I suggest starting with KT88s or KT120s if the power transformers are up to it. If too lean, you can easily sell them and then grab a pair of KT Monos or Mono 120s, which kick the DNA-125's butt up and down the street!
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Good to know @yogiboy and thanks for responding. I'm thinking most of Mike's QS amps seem to respond and sound, dare I say, more musical with higher impedance speakers, 8ohm and above.
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@decooney I have used them with LS3/5a type speakers including Spendor, Harbeth, etc. BTW, all 8 ohm!
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@yogiboy which 83db speakers were you using with Mid-Monos? Are they 4 or 8ohm?
At my 55year-in-business local dealer who sells AudioNote and Quicksilver, I've also heard low power 10w amps playing 83db speakers there which are 8-ohm. Sure the amps power the speakers to play sound, yet the dynamics, volume level and room filing sound capability was a bit constrained.
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I have owned those QS Mid Monos and used them with 83 db sensitive speakers with no problem. Those amps are a true value. I have never enjoyed solid state since. I am a QS fanboy and Mike Sanders makes gear that is built to last!!
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Hey guys! Thanks for all the input!
My speakers are a pair of vintage Fried C6/L 2-way monitors (.75" tweeter, and dual V.C. 6.5" bass mids). 89 dB sensitivity; impedance probably drops to 4-6 ohms in some parts of the bass-mid range (to 2.7 KHz crossover); small to mid size room, and I do not play very loud (90-93 dB peaks at listening position - 2 meters).
What do you think???
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+! @decooney I would also add the obvious, that the outcome of any SS vs. tube amp comparison will be dependent on the speaker used.
@fastcat95 What are the speakers under use?
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@fastcat95 ..." Can anyone out there who has made a move from good SS equipment
to the mid monos tell me what they gained that made them happier with the sound?"...
Some of what you might "gain" or even "miss" may also have a direct dependency on your speakers impedance, efficiency, and the size of the room too.
+1 to what @oddiofyl stated. If you can swing it, plan to keep both for a while and rotate back and forth. You’ll end up appreciating both for different reasons.
While I have the larger QS monos running KT120s now, and not EL34s, and also still alternate with 50w Class A SS amplification [formerly 200wpc SS] - both have their +/-. I suspect the "midrange" is what you’ll probably like most about the QS Mid Monos. I helped a friend into getting a pair of mid monos after he heard my other EL34 amps of the past. He talks about getting more efficient speakers now from time to time, but it’s not totally necessary. His prior amp was EL34 tube based and 2x the power of the mid monos. The mid monos came into the picture for more reliability. He now has a large subwoofer to go along with his QS Mid Monos. Fills the room now with more low-end reinforcement. It is a larger than average room with really high ceilings.
Imo, the top end and lower end bass drive will still be there if your speakers are more on the efficient side. I’m keeping in mind you are coming from a DNA 125. When I use to flip back to my former/larger SS amp with more power [like your DNA 125], there was this added sound pressure that filled the room a tad more in a larger room with less efficient speakers. Again, the room and speakers matter here too. This is what might also be considered about what you might "gain" or "miss" or be happy with. Try both, keep both, and rotate. Best of luck.
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I'll second what oddiofyl has written and add that the mid-mono soundstage is awesome. You get space/placement between instruments, mid-range second to none for the money, and a wonderful EL34 liquid tone. Finally-they are well-built.
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I went from a DNA 125 to a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos. The McCormack was a great amp , it was my first solid state in years. Prior to that I had several decent tube amps.
I have used the Mid monos with PSB Platinum M2 , Revel 106, Heresy, Forte, Sonus Faber Concerto and a few others.
Mine were built in 13, I bought them when they were 1.5 years old. They have seen continuous duty up until fall of 22 when I bought a 300b. I'll rotate my amps occasionally,
I have them in my system now and they sound great with fresh EL34. I also have late 50s RCA 12ax7 input and JJ 6922 drivers in them
They can use almost any el34 and 6l6 variant. KT88, 77,66, and others. Can "sound" how ever you like.
Hard to beat new for the money , steal used.
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