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Hovland still cuts it 7 yrs on as 2013 approaches

In 2006 I made a fantastic discovery in matching tubes and solid state (SS) with the Hovland HP200 tube preamp and Radia SS power amp, achieving liquidity and power. This combination initially powered my Pro Ac Futures 2 spkrs, followed by Zu Audio Definitions Mk 2s, and now Mk 4s.
In all this time, I've investigated other combinations but none have had the synergy the Hovlands possess.
With my current and most likely final spkr upgrade I'm achieving real transparency, and only now is a hint of SS glassiness evident, although it's highly music dependent, the rest of the time I remain really in love with the combination.
On the Zu Audio Definitions 3/4 thread, I'm being encouraged to go all tube by swapping out the SS Radia with either a SET 845 or OTL power amp, while possibly keeping the Hov pre.
What I'm concerned about is losing a winning synergy in the Hovs with possibly increased tonality maybe at the expense of neutrality that I have at present. Added to the fact that any reticence with current setup is only occasional.
Additionally, I still remain so sad that Hovland folded, they are definitely the longest lived components in my system, and I feel it's a real tragedy that an exceptional company is no longer with us, while decidedly underachieving and overpriced components thrive.
So A'goners, comments on my scenario, and testimonials for the late lamented Hovs.
spiritofmusic

Showing 1 response by rfogel8

rfogel8's avatar
rfogel8
192 posts
 
I agree with Dgarretson regarding the Hovland caps.

A few years ago I swapped a pair of Tele 12Au7 tubes I no longer needed to Bob Hovland in exchange for a couple pairs of his Musicaps. My intention was to upgrade a pair of first order series crossovers which only used five passive parts; two of which were his caps.

I put several hundred hours on them but they always made my speakers sound too bright, lean and dry; "glassiness" would also apply.

Replacing the Hovlands with Mundorf Silver/Oil changed everything; huge improvements across the board!

Now, a couple years later, I'm still very fond of the Mundorf's and have used them in another series crossover with only three passive parts. My final tweak will be to replace the single Mundorf with a Dueland Cast. They're rediculously expensive but I'm expecting some very nice improvements.

Change the coupling caps in your Hovland and I'm guessing you'll probably want to keep it. Then again, Dgarretson and I both own Atma-Sphere MP-1's and might agree, if you really feel the need to upgrade, check out Atma-Sphere.

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