smolder

Responses from smolder

Service recommendation in Denver
Interesting. It’s odd that McIntosh doesn’t have an authorized service center, in spite of having dealers.  
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
I have a couple of champs… they typically range from anemic to raging… partly depending upon the room. The original speaker is pretty lame… Jupiter, WGS, and Fat Jimmy really upped the game for 8” guitar speakers recently (the last few years).I ru... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
@sokogearno disagreement here. Fortunately, I have boxes of tubes (many are for tv’s unfortunately) that my father passed on when he retired. SS is surely the low maintenance way… which is what prompted the original question. Listening to my mc210... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
@sokogearOld stock tubes should last 10-20 years… especially in audio gear. Even being hauled around in guitar amplifiers (a rough life) they can last that long. Preamp tubes are sensitive to being beaten up and sometimes become microphonic. Recti... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
The immediate plan is to horizontally bi-amp with an Adcom GFA 585 on the low end and the mc2100 on the high end. The Mc is a lot sweeter sounding in bi-wire mode than the Adcom. If that doesn’t balance out, I have the budget for a second 2100 and... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
Thanks all!I’m not at all adverse to swapping out or dealing with tube life. Most of the tubes I own are old stock and lots of longevity left… plus I’m familiar with them. Of more of a concern to me are the transistors which are also likely to go ... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
the Martin Logan choice wasn’t arbitrary. I’ve known one of the founders for many years having lived in Lawrence, Kansas most of my adult life. I had the chance to do a service swap, but at the time needed to pay bills, feed kids, etc. I’ve been l... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
I hear you and appreciate your point of view. So far, at every juncture I’ve heard a significant difference.The speakers have internal crossovers, with separate inputs for bi-amping. Martin Logan also recommend 100-200 watts… with a second amp I’l... 
Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)
Thank you, thank you! Very helpful… I knew this would be a common topic, and having just found Audiogond… I’ll be reading other discussions. A bit more detail…I just purchased a set of used Martin Logan reQuests. They replace Snell E5 Mk2’s. In th...