What is your budget?
Typically you'll get more for your budget if you invest in one better amp.
With a tight budget in mine, if you should go with monoblocks, keep in mind that you'll eventually need two aftermarket power cords and/or power conditioners and to get the most from any amplifier, they need to be on a dedicated 20amp circuit and audio grade outlet. With monoblocks, you would need two dedicated circuits.
-IME |
look into 2 odyssey stratos monoblocks with the upgrades. or if you have the funds, get 2 classe cam amps. The odyssey is very similiar in sound for 1/3rd the price. As for electrical, 1 single 20 amp circuit would be plenty with 1 good line conditioner. You will not need 2 dedicated lines and 2 line conditioners. I have been at audio shows where they plugged all of there equipment into a 4 port richard gray device or a multiple port ps audio device. If you get a cheaper line conditioner, then you might need more than 1. As for current draw from a 20amp circuit, call an electrician when you get everything setup and he will put a device on the line that will indicate how many amps you are drawing at the panel. I think you will be surprised at how little amps you are drawing. I have 2 monoblocks plugged into a ps audio line conditioner on a dedicated 20 amp circuit. At my maximum listening level, I'm pulling a little over 5 amps at the panel. I could 3 more amps on the circuit and not have any problems. |
Have you looked at the Innersound amps? The good thing about the Innersound, besides the good performance from what I have heard, is the trial period and warranty. I'm partial to the McCormack DNA-2 in any configuration and they can be upgraded by SMc Audio. You do get a warranty if you get a McCormack upgrade at SMc, but I don't know if it's transferable.
There is the DNA-500 you can purchase new.
http://www.iar-80.com/ |
Sounds like you are hooked on tubes and I can understand why you would be. However, if you are not then you might want to consider one of Conrad Johnson's solid state amps like the MF2500 (used) or MF2250.
Or another option; I believe Martin Logans have the capability to run in a bi-amp fashion. If so you may want to purchase a CJ MF2250 ss amp and run it in combination with your MV55 tube amp. The MF2250 would handle the bass section and the MV55 would handle the mids and highs. A friend of mine runs this combo with a Premiere 11a / MF2250 into a pair of KEF's and it sounds great.
I am currently driving a pair of Thiel 3.6's with a CJ 16lsII tubed pre/ MF2500 ss amp. I am extremely pleased with the results.
Chuck |
Keep in mind that if you biamp, you will have to match the impedance and output levels of the amps if they are of different types/models. In your instance with a tight budget, I would go for one larger amp. The 11 is a fair choice. |
Timo is correct, that you will have to be sure the devices match, which is why I suggested the CJ combo. Call Knut at CJ if you are considering this route. He will be more than happy to answer your questions or make a suggestion.
Depending on the kind of music you listen too the 11(70wpc) may not provide the sound level you are looking for. You can buy a used MF2500 (250wpc) for about the same price or maybe even less than a used 11a and sound level will not be an issue. |
I agree with Czbbcl above, first call Knut at CJ. He will walk you through all the scenarios. Also ask him what they have on their shelves in the form of reconditioned amps. One other option is the bi-amp route as mentioned. Pick up a used CJ Sonograph for the bass and leave the 55 for the midrange and up. I use a MV 60 and it has more power than the 50 and 55, but at times I wouldn't mind a little more headroom. A larger CJ amp is also a good route. Years ago I ran a pair of Bedini 25/25 with ML Sequels, so the the modern day option is the DNA route. This is a real option using a pair of DNA .5's. |
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. my "budget" is between 900 and 1100 bucks. I figured either I spend 1100 on another MV-55 or sell mine for 1000, put another 800-900 and get the Premier 11. I'm definately sticking with a CJ product, that's for sure. the only concern that I have about the 11 is that it's based on a 6650 tubes and I like the sound of the EL43s, so I would have to hunt for a 11XS unit. I also read that the 11s don't have the same sweet mids as the MV-55... any thoughts?
Shahen |
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. my "budget" is between 900 and 1100 bucks. I figured either I spend 1100 on another MV-55 or sell mine for 1000, put another 800-900 and get the Premier 11. I'm definately sticking with a CJ product, that's for sure. the only concern that I have about the 11 is that it's based on a 6650 tubes and I like the sound of the EL43s, so I would have to hunt for a 11XS unit. I also read that the 11s don't have the same sweet mids as the MV-55... any thoughts?
Shahen |
Since you are staying with CJ, call Knut and spend some time on the phone with him. He is a true gentleman and will give you honest and good advice. And, since CJ owns McCormack, he can also give you comparison feedback. He will out perform any of us on A'gon. Good luck! |
I agree with Stehno. Unless you intend to get into active bi-amplification, i would say that better results could be had by going to one high quality amp of higher power capacity. Passively bi-amping may offer a slight benefit, but it is nothing in comparison to going active. Just keep in mind that to REALLY "go active" and achieve optimum results, you would need to bypass the factory crossovers inside the speakers. As such, a call to Martin Logan should probably be the first thing on your list to see what they recommend. Sean
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