Mesa Baron and Mani-II any thoughts?


I'm looking for a new amp in the $1500-$2000 range(used/demo) for my Totem Mani-II. I'm almost sold on the Bryston 4b St but would consider staying with tubes (I'm currently using a pair of cary cad 50m mkII). Would the Mesa handle the load or would I be short changing myself with this amp. The associated equipment would be Cary slp98 and Cal Audio cl-15. If anybody has any ideas or other recommendations it would be much appreciated.
Thanks Garrett
gfontes

Showing 1 response by jim

The Baron was effortless in hanlding the load/impedance swings of my ML CLS's (never needed full pentode, usually two-thirds triode). Even compared to the Baron with stock tubes, the Bryston is dry sounding to me in comparison, although I am considering it as an upgrade to drive my subs. Upgraded tubes (i.e. NOS 12AX7's at reasonable cost and biggest improvement, or NOS 6L6GC's if you don't mind the cost) bring performance to significantly higher level. Good luck.