I need help, please? Listening to my system through music!


Hey all,

Please indulge me as I'm having an audio/identity crisis of sorts here. Maybe you can empathize, maybe it's just first world problems.

So, for several years up until earlier this summer, I was more or less happy and content with my audio set up:
  • Acoustic Zen Adagios
  • LSA Statement integrated (I tube rolled it)
  • Jolida JD9 Mk2 phono
  • Oppo 105 BDP
  • VPI HW19 Mk4 with Benz Ace cartridge
  • AZ and Decware cabling

It was my steady system for about 3 years after going through different many speaker/amp/tt/ combinations.

And then, based on several conversations with AZ founder Robert Lee and several Audiogon members, I became convinced that I needed to go the SET route for my Adagios. I auditioned Steve Deckerts' Decware amps and liked what I heard, but Mr. Lee recommended Triode Corp. amps, so when one popped up on Audiogon I grabbed it and sold my LSA Statement.

Now, the LSA is an understated star in the integrated world; it's a hybrid, dual-mono platform, perfected by Larry Staples and John Tucker of Exemplar Audio and delivers 150w of transparent power. The Triode Corp is a pure tube, 35w SET design with good reviews and Mr. Lee's endorsement. I tube rolled the input tubes in the Triode and then let it burn in for a while, even though I bought it used from a reputable Audiogon dealer.

Result? The bass the LSA delivered is missing. There's also clipping/distortion on the higher end. I took it to the local audio shop who biased everything and checked connections, etc. and gave it the thumbs up. But same result. It's a different sound than the LSA. It's not bad, per se; it's just not a full or comprehensive or satisfying. had I not had the LSA, I would have been pretty happy with the Triode.

You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

MAYBE as a result, I really don't listen to music as much as I used to, if at all. I can't remember the last time I went on Discogs or to the local music store or even ordered any music on Amazon. I can't remember the last time I went down to my listening room and just enjoyed a recording. So, my questions are:

  1. Am I just over-reacting? And should I just sell the Triode and go for another amp and get over it? I'd rather not get the LSA again; I hate gong back to something I once had.
  2. Is hi-end audio, a hobby for the last 20 years, receding like many things do in our lives and now is no longer as paramount as it used to be?
  3. Is this a classic case of someone using music to listen to their system?
  4. Anyone else have these audiophile mid-life crisis issues?

Thanks for your patience and insight.

Warm regards,

Simao




128x128simao
Sounds like some disappointment exists now where little or none did previously. Sorry to hear it. It happens.

Although speakers can work with a goodly number of amps, how well, or just how, is another matter entirely. Was price a consideration here going for these new SET amps? Because there are SET amp, and then there are, yeah, SET amps. As with all amps I suppose.

If… as said, all is well with amp and speakers, and all was checked out technically to confirm this, the existing truth has to be the amp is not optimal for the speakers. Certainly not on those levels or areas you would prefer.

So something has gotta give to get the toes tapping again.

I briefly heard the Adagio monitors pushed by Carey 50 or 60wpc (?) tube amp and being a devotee of bottom end response, was left lwanting, but for what it all was, it did sound pretty decent.

I’ve also heard the AZ floor standing versions of the model mentioned here being pushed by EAR 100wpc amp with Frankenstein Pre. Gorgeous looking speakers, but I came away feeling they needed more power to sing. It was a nice, pleasant sound but just not provocative. I did easily see a lot of potential with the Adagios… or the next step up, the Creshendos. Their finish alone was stunning. Some sort of glossy burled (?) antural cherry. Lovely indeed.

Moving on to another variety of SS sounds like a very good idea too. Which one is always the worry or concern. If any of the current SET’s performance has entertained you, despite the electronic short comings, I’d say look into hybrid amps which use a limited amount of tubes plus SS power. If possible.

It would not be merely another SS amp, and not truly all tube power, but would be different than previous power yet enable the control and extension those adagio’s need or at least, seem to enjoy..

If sticking with tubes is now an interest, look into PP amps with 75 and above watts.

Lastly, I was impressed by the bottom end the EAR glass amp produced pushing the tall floor standing glossy Adagios. Very impressed. I’ve always felt the Isoclean power conditionining detracted from the overall audition, but that’s just IMO.

Very good luck on the next step.


You know what you need to do, so do it: new amp with more power. Who recommended what doesn’t matter if you’re not loving it.. you are the final authority on what is good and what is not in your system.

And why have an arbitrary rule about not going back to the same piece of equipment? You know you like it, you know it works well.. the alternative is a bunch of auditioning. Which you might enjoy. But it doesn’t sounds like you’re looking forward to it.. it just sounds like you want your system’s soul back.

I use a class A tube pre and class D monos and love the combo. Warmth, resolution and imaging from the tubes, power, control and space from the class D.

Whichever path you end up taking, I hope you enjoy the journey and get to where you want to be..
Triode makes some awesome gear; I have heard stunning systems with it at shows. It should theoretically be very good with the AZ speakers. 

Have you tried swapping out your loom of cables? If not, then do that before giving up. Also, power cords. Frankly, I suggest you try at least 2 different looms/sets of cables. Then try mixing them. That can address the problems you have. 

I am not interested in arguing about my advice. 
I think you should look for a push pull tube integrated or separates with something north of 60 watts.
I like listening to high performance audio, enjoy reading about it,admiriring all the uber gear and the hobby aspect. If Ihad the financial means, I would own a rack of simply over the top, ridicoulsy expensive gear, along with giant speakers.

I don't however, but I've amassed a $20K(retail)  system that is close enough, to what we read about and see at shows.

In the end however, if one can't simply enjoy the music, and admit this is a silly hobby, you're not a true MUSIC fan. Of course, just MY opinion.

If you have to listen to music only through "audiophile" stuff, then yeah, you're listening to your system, not the music.

My active listening began at age 7 when I started Classical piano lessons in 1969 and hearing my brothers Beatles and Stones records on a seemingly big as a Buick, tube powered Grundig.

By my early 20's, I made certain I had good bugdet crap, good,enough to enjoy the music.

Bach or Led Zeppelin sound great through my Ipad or the rig.