2. amps-preamps
  3. 1226469897

tube amp for Apogee Tweeter mid-range

I recently upgraded the capacitors in the crossover of my Apogee Stage speakers. This was a good and bad thing at the same time. While it opened up the upper frequencies and let the subtle details shine through, it also exposed that "solid state" sound in my amplifiers. I'm using a Pass Labs x-150 to drive the Apogee bass panel and an old modified Sim Audio W3 amp to drive the tweeter midrange ribbon. While the Pass Labs may be a better amp, it was a horrible match when I had it driving the tweeter midrange ribbon. The sound was like turning the treble up to +11 on an old Radio Shack receiver!
Does anyone know of a musical Tube amp under 2K used, that would produce detailed and smooth (not dull) music to drive my Apogee Tweeter midrange ribbon. I'm currently using a Naim 202 preamp, Raysonic 128 CD player, Linn Sondeck with Koetsu Rosewood and Ayre phone pre-amp.
scott_kindt
satch
329 posts
 
Ouch... I really like the sound of my (Nelson Pass designed) Threshold poweramp with my Apogees (Centaur Major). I'd suggest you take another approach and change the preamp for a tube amp. To my ears, Naim gear always sounds a tad bright.

Then again, it's all a matter of taste. For two K there are many poweramps available, especially secondhand. You can also 'tune' them a little bit by changing the tubes. Only problem of the Stages is the lowish impedance - not as bad as the Scintilla's, but 3 Ohm and a low sensitivity means a new poweramp has to be able to deliver some power. Make sure you test your new amp at home before buying.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
I use all tubes with my Apogees....Amps, preamp, and DAC. I have Duetta Signatures, and MiniGrands...and I switch between them every few months.

I had been using Solid State (Krell) for a number of years, but switched to Rogue Audio tube mono's around three years ago...and I would never go back, unless I was forced to.

Biamping the Stage, Duetta Signatures, or any other two-way Apogee speaker is a waste of time and money, in my past experience....YMMV of course.

Around 100-200 good tube watts are all you need (my amps are 120 watt monos, and real toe tappers!). These amps drive both pair of Apogees as loud, and with enough control, to fill all my needs.

If you listen at above 90db very often (I don't)....150/200 watts may be in order for you.

Tube amps come in all flavor of coloration...or very little at all? In my search....I wanted Krell like bass, a better midrange (tube coloration?)....and very articulate highs....I chose the Rogue amps (Kt-88 tubes), and have been very happy.

My DAC is Monarchy M-24....NOS Amperex
My preamp is Audioprism Mantissa...NOS Amperex

Good luck in the hunt!

Dave
apachef1
164 posts
 
Hi Scott

How much breakin time is on the new caps that were installed? Is the crossover passive or electonic? Passive crossover caps and resistors can take up to 300hrs to burn in and open up. Your description of sound is what you can expect for the first 25 to 50 hours. After that things begin to mellow out and expand at the same time. What brand caps did you use?

Ed
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