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Considering monoblocks. Need help.

post #1 of 12
8/16/10 at 6:14pm
Thread Starter 
I have a room 10 x 12 that I converted just listen to two channel music. I do use an SPL 1000 Velodyne. I have B&W 705s, but since my Anthem D1 is giving me problems in my HT, I brought my Von Schweikert VR 1100 to take the place of the B&W. My cd player is a Oppo DV 980H. I'm using my old Yamaha DSP A1, but I want to change to tube amp. Thinking of purchasing a turntable in the near future.

My question is: I have been trying to read up and doing research on tube amps. Can't find anywhere in my area where I can listen to tube amps. I'm interested in the Shangling SP-80 and perhaps can pick up a pair at a reasonable price. They are rated at 50 WPC. Would I be getting better sounds from these monoblocks than with what I have now, or should I just keep the Yammy?

Please help.
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post #2 of 12
8/16/10 at 8:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayPaganJr View Post

... Would I be getting better sounds from these monoblocks than with what I have now, or should I just keep the Yammy?

Please help.

By all means, keep the Yammy, a very good component.
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post #3 of 12
8/17/10 at 6:18am
Are you using the Yammy as a pre-amp for the amps? If your looking strictly for tube monos Manley Mahi monos 40watts UL and can switch to triode at 20watts. Rogue audio M-120 tube monos 120 watts. Both choices fall in the $2400-$2500 range. Cary has an Intergrated tube SLI-80 for 2800 (saw one on line for $1800). Plenty of beef 80watts per chanel. You have a small room so any of these are more than enough power for your listening area.
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post #4 of 12
8/17/10 at 9:02am
Neither Von Schweikert nor B&W are a good match for tubes. They both sound their best with SS.
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post #5 of 12
8/17/10 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 
I used to use the A1 as a preamp years ago. When I upgraded to the Anthem D1, I just stored it away. I do have an HCA 2003 Parasound that I'm considering using in this room since I'm not using it in my HT. I will not upgrade my D1 because they are asking for a crazy amount of money that I just don't want to pay.

So it's use the DSP A1 as the pre for the Parasound, or purchase the Shanling amps. If I don't get the Shanling perhaps just use that money to purchase a decent turntable at Audiogon. Not sure what to do.
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post #6 of 12
8/17/10 at 1:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harrypt View Post

Neither Von Schweikert nor B&W are a good match for tubes. They both sound their best with SS.

I didn't know that or would have thought the VS would not be a good match for tubes. Why is that?
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post #7 of 12
8/17/10 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayPaganJr View Post

I didn't know that or would have thought the VS would not be a good match for tubes. Why is that?

Both sound better with the kind of power and dynamic quickness, grip, power and extension provided by a SS amplifier rather than the softer frequency extremes of most mid priced tube amps. Nor do they need the midrange bloom associated with some tubes, especially if you are using a B&W with kevlar as the kevlar imparts it's own bit of midrange sound and usually doesn't need more.

Tubes are not always better, they need to be matched to an appropriate speaker.
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post #8 of 12
8/18/10 at 1:53pm
Thread Starter 
Wow. That's it? I guess A/V members aren't into tubes all that much or have no opinion here. Thanks to those who contributed.

RAY.
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post #9 of 12
8/19/10 at 8:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayPaganJr View Post

Wow. That's it? I guess A/V members aren't into tubes all that much or have no opinion here. Thanks to those who contributed.

RAY.

I'm running a CJ tube preamp and amp with my B&W 804Ds. If you appreciate chrystalline highs without glare, air in abundance, superb width, depth and texture, rich, engaging vocals, and last but not least, solid bass control, then give tubes a try with your B&Ws and believe what you hear, not what others would have you believe.

I agree with all of the tubes recommended by member Class A. Also consider Van Alstine, McIntosh, CJ, Audio Research, Jolida, Primaluna, Rogers, Quicksilver, etc. Your B&Ws are reasonably efficient, so 40 tube watts and up would be fine in your room.

Let us know how you make out.
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post #10 of 12
8/19/10 at 10:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayPaganJr View Post

Wow. That's it? I guess A/V members aren't into tubes all that much or have no opinion here. Thanks to those who contributed.

RAY.

Honestly not very much. You may get more helpful responses in the $20K+ high end forum, under the display section. Tubes are a special niche these days, and don't fit with HT very well at all. In fact, for any pricey 2-channel ideas, I'd go with the high-end forum.

But basically, it boils down to taste, so without just trying tube amps on your speakers it may be difficult to say.

If I have experience with tubes I could help, but like most people here, I don't unfortunately...

Wish I could be of more assistance.
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post #11 of 12
8/20/10 at 8:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayPaganJr View Post

Would I be getting better sounds from these monoblocks than with what I have now

Depends on what "better sounds" means. If you mean personal preference then it only can be decided by you via audition. If you mean the degree of fidelity, tube amps are almost always not the route to take due to their inherent coloration of sound. Plus, it's a tricky selection process as mentioned on post #7.
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post #12 of 12
8/20/10 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
Thanks to all. So I removed my Parasound HCA 2003 to my stereo room now and the DSP-A is used as a pre and will use the VS for my speakers. They sound better than the 705s. Right now I'm listening to Count Basie's "88 Basie Street", JVC's XRCD. It's fantastic.

I'm not going to mess with it because it sounds great to me. Instead I'm going to look into purchasing a turntable. When I have enough cash I'll just get a receiver for my HT. I'm enjoying listening in my stereo room so much. Oh, and the room does have sound absorption panels I got some time ago.
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