Interesting! I had a SIT-3 with my current setup and it just didn’t surpass the Sun Audio 300B and its 9 WPC. I really wanted it to work. Maybe I gave up too soon? I miss Brooks more than anyone I’ve ever know in audio. What a gentle-man. I’ll never forget the day he gave me the key to the museum to have a look around. |
I couldn’t agree more @dhcod. Brooks was also an automobile enthusiast, and had a nice little stable of ’em. Riding with him in his souped up Mercedes Benz to Vegas for the CES was an experience I’ll never forget! In his younger days (high school) Brooks played drums, and when the band I assembled to play at his 50th birthday party (at the behest of his wife Sheila), he got up on my set and played "Wipe Out" with the band. Happiest I ever saw him! I feel like part of me died with him. |
I think the SIT-3 needs a very particular type of speaker to work well, that being high efficiency but low impedance. My quintessence are low to mid 90db efficient with a 4 ohm nominal load. I also have a pass x 150.8 but it never leaves class A with my speakers and the SIT-3 is ever so slightly sweeter. I'll list the 150.8 for sale soon.... |
@bdp24 How would you compare the sound quality of an RM-9 MKII vs, RM-10 MKII? I've been enjoying my RM9 MKII for 6 years, but recently replaced Harbeth 40.2 speakers with significantly more efficient Altec Model 19's. The Altec's sound excellent with the RM9 MKII, but given their high efficiency, I've always wondered if replacing the RM-9 MKII with the RM-10 MKII with provide sonic benefit. I'm guessing no, but the thought persists. |
Good question. Many believe the EL84/6BQ5/7189 to be the best sounding non SET tube. Power is limited to 15-25wpc in most applications however and that can be a problem for some. I do have experience with this tube and amplifiers using this tube. I have a fully restored Eico HF81 which sounds divine driving Spendor 15ohm LS3/5a speakers. I am intrigued by the Musical Reference RM-10-II and will investigate it. I would also look at LEBEN for a new or recent amplifier. My opinion of LEBEN in general is that their equipment is like a tube amp from the golden era that is restored and brought up to date with modern higher quality components but keeping the classic design. I would look at the following vintage amplifiers: Fisher 20a and 30a monoblocks. Fisher SA100 stereo amplifier. All 3 are superlative. Deep bass, liquid midrange, and clear extended treble. Eico HF14 monoblocks and HF86 stereo amplifier. The HF14 may be the real prize- as it uses the same amplifier circuit and output transformer as the very well regarded HF81, and EF86. But with a separate power supply for each amp. This will improve isolation and deep bass response. Prices are starting to rise for the HF14, but a cheaper way in may be through the HF12, which is a mono version of the HF81, or an integratged version of the HF14. A simple rebuild to bypass the preamp stage and you have an HF14 at a lower cost. |
