portlandlay

Responses from portlandlay

Help me get started again. Tube amp...
Both of these sound like good paths.  $1000k is in the budget and building my own is absolutely a possibility.  I am just so far removed I need the guidance.  I will check these options out for sure.  I am familiar with Bottlehead but what other k... 
are Quad 303 amps worth buying?
It is more tube sounding than many more modern SS amps. So you do not get some of the crisp detail that these newer designs give you.To me it has a nice full sound with no shrill and nice bass. I would say that it is a bit like a Dynaco ST-70 a ro... 
are Quad 303 amps worth buying?
I have one that I use for my LS3/5a and it is pretty nice. They are not worth much I paid about $250 for mine and that was a late model with original box and in perfect working order. 
Looking for the king of mini monitors under $1500
Can't leave out used LS3/5a or better yet new Stirling broadcast LS3/5a V2 which would fit in your budget. 
Magnepan evaluation
You may also think about the MG12 since many say that they are in some way better than the 1.6 and a bit easier to drive. I have a Portal Panace integrated that I am going to try and I think it will be fine. I actually have used a Dynaco St-70 at ... 
Plinius 9200 Driving Magnepan 3.6Rs
I have not used the Plinius amp but they are said to be pretty rugged. Since the maggies are a 4 ohm load the amp has to deliver more current and you are going to get more heat. If the amp shuts down that is one thing but being warm to the touch i... 
Sugden a21 question....
Correction the SE is rated at 30 into 8ohms. It would run them but the price in USD is around 3500-3750. http://www.sugdenaudio.com/range/a21se.htm 
Ls 3/5a sound without the price.....
If you can afford it the new Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V2 is very good. Most of the old time LS3/5a folks say they are the best ever. I love mine.Stephen 
Best amp for Rogers LS3/5a + AB1 subwoofer?
I have a cheapo Dynaco ST-70 and they are a pretty darn good match for less than $400 for a good one. I used VTL tiny triodes for a couple of years but they were a only a little better than the Dynaco. The AB1 makes it an easier load also.I have a... 
After Quad ESL's?
If you can live with less bass or would use a sub the newest "V2" LS3/5a put out by stirling broadcast (order only from the UK) is very good in the same sort of way the 57's are. They improve on the normal LS3/5a with better bass texture, better f... 
Fostex based speakers: Cain Abby or Omega Super3R
I think that in a review from the omega site the reviewer said that the 3r was a little leaner in the bass and midbass than the abby but less colored. He thought the abby cabinet was the culprit. Speculation to be sure and bias as it was a omega r... 
Dynaco ST70 Tube replacement
Why are you replacing them? The original Mullards are really nice if you can get them. As for new tubes the SED "Winged C" tubes are good sounding - much better than Sveltlana branded whatevers.Stephen 
VTL IT-80 Question/any help appreciated
I listend to one about 3 years in my home when I was buying some new stuff. At the time I felt it was very good. I bought the 2.5 preamp and tiny triode monoblocks (no longer sold) since I felt they had a little more magic. They do not have as muc... 
Tube Newbie
Teonyc,When I started playing around with this stufff a few years ago I bought VTL's tiny triode monoblocks and the TL2.5 tube preamp. The little amps did not have the slam an extension of some of the huge solid state amps but they were much bette... 
JM Lab Mini Utopia driven by Plinius 8200MKII
If you are looking for a different sound, I have used the minis with VTL tube amps. I find that this took some of the edge out of the highs.