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Amp Options/Questions for Revel Studio v1

Hello

Looking for ideas for amping Revel Studio version one speakers. I currently have Pass Aleph2 and Aleph P.

I would like to keep the Aleph2 to use for bottom end power.
Was thinking about VTL MB-125's for top end.
Is this a good match?

Or should I sell/trade in the Aleph2's and save for MB-185 or 450?

Looking for best match either SS or tube for studios.
My budget is right at 4k.
I thought of VTL because of their power to drive a speaker like Studio (MB185/450) but am open to other suggestions.

I will be keeping the Aleph pre amp no matter what. Really need some help here.
bhodge

Showing 8 responses by tpsonic

tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
My friend drove his with the WRAD 300/Innersound itube at 160W/ch (6550s).He preferred the amp using kt-88s=better extension on top/control in the bass.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
VTL,BAT 75se (mono in future),CJ monos or Fourier 200W monos.You need power,but not quite as much if only driving the mid/tweet portion.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
The VTL amps have always appealed to me,more than the pres.Keep in mind that different output tubes (88s,34s and such) will effect the top and bottom response.IE:softer top-end will soften the bass (transient wise).
What is the current output tube on the MB-125?
You do realize that the imaging of the two pieces may not mesh.The other to consider is that tube watts will be perceived as 2X SS watts.Maybe a smaller tube unit would be better (70-100).
Any thoughts about a XA or 150.5/350.5?
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
If you won't be using an outboard crossover,then you will need to keep the input sensitivity the same or use attenuators/potentiometers to match levels.
Do you not like the Aleph sound in the hi-freqs?Had you thought about another Pass design?
Can you give me an idea of your current sound and what you would like to gain.I'm not sure that a SS amp from another manufacturer will send you into new territory.
If looking warmer/fuller:Jadis:Even the Defy is no slouch(100W).The Primaluna 7/KT-88 monos(with input tube rolling-70W).
Did you mention your price range?
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
If $6500 isn't over-the-top (+/-) the Lamm M1.1s.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I must ask again-are there provisions for gain matching.I ask this because if the input sensitivity is different,then the levels between the two different amps won't match.
Aleph 0s?Jadis Defy 7 mk II+,Quicksilver Silver 90 or a little extra warmth CJ 11a/LP70.If 70W will do,the PL 7s,with a roll on the 12ax/au7s.
If I think of others,I will notate them-but first:the level matching.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Bhodge
The left/right gain balance isn't the issue.If the tweet/mid amp and the bass amp used don't have matching Input Sensitivity,then the speakers'tonal balance will change.One beong disproportionate to the other.
The IS is usually stated in the amplifiers' specs (in volts:.8v/1.0V/1.2V).
This number needs to be matched for the top-end amp,unless they have an output attenuator/volume potentiometer.Thus my question concerning other Pass family units.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
If you contact Pass Labs and obtain this spec,you might inquire which of the other amps/series (Aleph,X,XA) has the same.
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