2. amps-preamps
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Mesa Baron

Not a question, really, just looking to share something with any users of the Mesa Baron all-tube power amp (now sadly discontinued).

I just found THE preamp to match this high-gain amp, after trying for 10 years. It's the Promitheus Audio TVC (passive transformer volume control).

Over the past 12 years, I've used the Baron in 3 phases - back in 96-97, when it first came out, when I reviewed it for a publication; then in 2000-2001 when I bought and then sold one ... and finally, in 2004, which I intend to keep until Hell freezes over.

I've used McCormack's passive TLC-1 preamp (a pretty great match), Audio Research low-gain LS15 and LS16, Quicksilver Linestage and many others ... but something just clicked with the TVC.

Just in case anyone's still in the hunt to optimise their Baron's performance. Do note - all the while, I've been using the stock version. I have, however, messed around with the input driver tubes (AX7) - the onboard Russion Sovteks have the best punch, Tungsols sound cleaner and airier, and Mullards are just too syrupy for me ... :)

Appreciate any thoughts ...

cheers
bassraptor

Showing 6 responses by bassraptor

bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
If you're looking at something cost effective: http://www.promitheusaudio.com/

Otherwise, a passive tvc shud work great. I've written to the Mesa people to check on the tubes and upgrades, let's see ...

Yes, I bought the amp from the authorised dealer!
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
Hi Lloydc ... I'm far away in Malaysia, can't find anyone authorised to do this mod, so have stuck with stock tubes, in 2/3 pentode and 1/3 triode mode. I always regretted selling the previous Baron I had, so this was a bit of luck, getting the very last unit left in the store. I worry about having to get a new set of 12 matched power tubes sometime in the future, hope Mesa stocks them.

When I plugged in the TVC, my jaw dropped ... since then, I've been fine-tuning everything else around this combination (I use JPS Superconductor 2 XLR connects for pre-power - Mesa recommended the original Superconductors back in 1996).

Have fun ... :)
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
Mesa has sent me the schematic to make the necessary changes to my Baron if I want to use other tubes, which Lloydc srongly recommends. But I haven't got around to do this yet ... I was think I'll let the current tubes go first, still have lots of life left in them.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
I'm trying to get my Baron to synergise with a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers I just got, but not quite hitting the spot so far. I sold my first Baron because, driven by an AR LS16 preamp, it didn't quite do it with my earlier set of Maggies (also the 1.6). Looks like I've come a full circle now, although the bit players are different this time; for one, it's the Promitheus TVC passive pre, and Anti-Cables, and different power cords.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
It's been a while, but here's something I finally hit on. I had put the Baron aside for a few months, also sent it for a service (one of the meter bulbs had blown). In the meantime, I got myself a McIntosh MA402 power amp and more recently, a C220 tube preamp.
When the Baron came back, my thought was to sell it, since the Mac pre-power was so musical. Anyway, I hooked the Mac pre to the Baron and voila! I was blown away, sounded like a perfect match for the Baron. I never heard it sound better.
So, it stays ... :)

Just thought I'd share.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
I like to run my Baron in 2/3 pentode, 1/3 triode mode. Yes, the triode mode is sweeter sounding, but i need a bit more power to drive the Maggies. In full triode more, bass can be a bit soft ...
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