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Sumo/Chase RLC-1 vs Golden Tube SI-50mk2

Hi guys, I am putting together a very entry level audio system based around a pair of Von Schweikert VR-4 Gen 3 (89db sensitivity) speakers.

I went ahead and splurgged on the speakers since I believe they are the most important piece of equipment in the chain. But thats another thread altogether.

My dilemma is this, I have this slightly modified Sumo Polaris mkI amplifier (Solid State, 100wpc) and Chase Remote Control Preamp combo coming via UPS in a week or so, but I also have a Golden Tube SI-50mkII (Tubes, 50 wpc) integrated amplifier coming via UPS in the next week as well.

I know the VR-4's would like the extra power of the Sumo, however I have wanted to stay with tubes since over the last few years my ear has grown to love that super midrange bloom, and smooth top end that only a tube could provide. However I have not totally shunned Solid State products, I happen to think of the Bryson and Aragon equipment very highly and they sound great.

I purchased the Sumo because of reports that it has a tube like sound quality. I purchased the RLC-1 because it has a remote control, was inexpensive, brand new, and is relatively transparent.

As you can see I have a tremedously small budget, so I cant go out and buy that Sim Audio I-5 that everyone talks about. However I can spend up to about $1000, if someone has a better suggestion of equipment under that price point.

How do you think the Jolida JD-1000 with El-34 tubes putting out a 100 wpc fairs against any of the above mentioned products?

Thanks for all the input.

Intelonetwo
intelonetwo
creeper
251 posts
 
I no longer run my RLC-1. But when I did, I used it with an Adcom GFA-555 and a GCD-575 (heavily modified/tweaked). This combo is fairly bright and grainy, but played through the pair of MB Quart D-30 monitors I was using, sounded good. The D-30's are very warm and forgiving, but not exactly accurate. You will love your VR-4's. I've demo'd them driven with a full Krell setup and a Theta digital front/Bryston pre/amp combo. Both were cabled with Transparent. Great speakers! Now I run a Rega Planet cd, Coda pre, Sonic Frontiers amp and NHT speakers. I was running all Transparent cables, but the NHT's can be punishingly bright (very true to source - bad recordings sound BAD), so I incorporated Harmonic Technology Truthlinks as my interconnects. They are very warm and laid back, and made my system listenable for hours without fatigue. Happy listening!
intelonetwo OP
7 posts
 
Which VR-4's did you hear? Both the new and old VR-4 have super bass response, however the new VR-4 Gen 3's bass response can simply be described as "Lighting Fast Attack", they are really fast.

I believe Albert Von Schweikert used to work for Harmonic Tech for a time. Maybe the Harmonic Tech cables are especially beneficial to the VR-4's?

Which Sonic Frontiers amp are you driving your NHT's with? Which NHT's do you have? Previously I owned the 3.3's and VT-3, the 3.3 killed the VT-3 musically. However the the VT-3 shear weight in the lowend was something that you have to hear to believe. They absolutely rocked with no apologies.

In the End though I came back to the VOn Schweikert's, something about the excellent low end response, coupled with the clean midrange and upper end. I love them.

Do to my limited budget, these speakers will be the last I purchase for few years. I need auxillary components to keep up them.
ebostett
6 posts
 
I have a GoldenTube SI-50 MKII. Last year I was going to purchase a pair of VR-4 GenI. Because of funds I could not get them. I still wish that I had. I think if you want tube sound and still have good bass response then the GT is the way to go.
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