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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 15, 2016 13:22:44 GMT -5
$2500 for this one (used) but well modded. I need more time to make a proper comparo but so far here's what I got. Remember I'm only driving 300 Hz + and my challenge is to level match the Legacy sub amps gains via the Xilica processor. Just learning to program that has been a challenge, albeit a great one. Dynaco strengths:
Superior stage vs Cary particularly depth Better match with my Legacy due to higher gain than Cary Cary strengths:MUCH cleaner sound than the Dynaco Smoother highs without the rolloff Of course this is just initial impressions and what I'm hoping will change with either more level matching or tube rolling, is to deepen the stage like the Dynaco has. My only complaint is the reduced sense of sound stage. Somebody here, forget who, told me the signal tubes I'm using may not be desirable. Don't think I'll see added depth with those though. So for now, that's where I'm at with these 2 excellent amps.  Scott |
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Post by bluemeanies on Dec 15, 2016 14:24:43 GMT -5
Even more surprised Scott about the ST 70 with the WHISPERS...stepping into the m125 monos could have feed your appetite.
BUT all is good...the main thing about this hobby is "You CAN always get what you want"
Enjoy Scott
FOOTNOTE...I have as you can see by my signature the B&W803đŸ”¸and the 125's do a great job considering that every dealer I spoke to in regards to power said I needed 300watts min-500watts or more to get the full affect of the 803's. Demoing them in three different stores and comparing them at home with the 125's IMO they are mistaken.
Merry Christmas Scott
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Post by bluemeanies on Dec 15, 2016 14:35:29 GMT -5
The Cary has more power & better ergonomics than the VTA-ST120 (which is built on an update of the Dynaco ST-70 chassis). For what it is, the ST120 is a bargain, but if you're wanting more power, then yeah - Cary, McIntosh, or Audio Research are the best ways to go that I've yet heard. Note that I've NOT yet heard the VTA M125 mono block amps, but may sometime in 2K17. Boom...understood, however my question to Scott was in reference to the change in tubes. Even with the Cary I was wondering if Scott was using the same quality tubes in the ST would the roll off in the highs be the same. IMO....using the same tubes in both amplifiers makes for a more accurate comparison. Perhaps that WAS the case but it was not mentioned. |
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Post by audiobill on Dec 15, 2016 14:41:18 GMT -5
The ST70 uses El34s, where the ST120 and Cary use KT88s, 6550s or KT120s.
As Mark found in his PL review, different animals and Scott's findings are consistent with this.
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 15, 2016 15:30:00 GMT -5
There is a definite difference, from what I've heard between the EL-34 tubes and even the 6550s. The latter sound more linear to me. I've not heard the KT88s, but novisnick had a set of KT120s that I (briefly) listened to. No conclusions could be drawn because the KT120s were brand new. I'll have an amp in a few days that uses KT150s, and am looking forward to hearing them. |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 15, 2016 18:02:32 GMT -5
The ST70 uses El34s, where the ST120 and Cary use KT88s, 6550s or KT120s. As Mark found in his PL review, different animals and Scott's findings are consistent with this. One thing I like about the PL is its ability to leverage a very wide variety of tubes. Then again, that could get me owning several sets to swap around! Mark |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 15, 2016 18:03:30 GMT -5
I'll have an amp in a few days that uses KT150s, and am looking forward to hearing them. What amp is that? Mark |
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 15, 2016 18:15:42 GMT -5
The ST70 uses El34s, where the ST120 and Cary use KT88s, 6550s or KT120s. As Mark found in his PL review, different animals and Scott's findings are consistent with this. One thing I like about the PL is its ability to leverage a very wide variety of tubes. Then again, that could get me owning several sets to swap around! Mark Another tube afficionado I came across recommended Prima Luna along with Cary, AR and BAT. Scott |
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Post by audiobill on Dec 15, 2016 18:35:34 GMT -5
Ar and Bat are premium, fully internally balanced designs , made in USA and are at the top of the game, save for exotics. And are priced accordingly.
Cary is very nice, also, and made in USA.
Latino/VTA amps are also completely all-American, are an unbeatable value and superb sonically.
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 15, 2016 18:53:09 GMT -5
Ar and Bat are premium, fully internally balanced designs , made in USA and are at the top of the game, save for exotics. And are priced accordingly. Cary is very nice, also, and made in USA. Latino/VTA amps are also completely all-American, are an unbeatable value and superb sonically. The Cary is also fully differentially balanced. I just can't figure out the lack of depth in the stage. The sound is insanely clean and smooth though. Scott |
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Post by monkumonku on Dec 15, 2016 18:54:42 GMT -5
Ar and Bat are premium, fully internally balanced designs , made in USA and are at the top of the game, save for exotics. And are priced accordingly. Cary is very nice, also, and made in USA. Latino/VTA amps are also completely all-American, are an unbeatable value and superb sonically. Not necessarily so with Latino/VTA being completely all-American. If bought in kit form then it depends on where the kit is shipped.  |
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Post by audiobill on Dec 15, 2016 19:03:07 GMT -5
Ar and Bat are premium, fully internally balanced designs , made in USA and are at the top of the game, save for exotics. And are priced accordingly. Cary is very nice, also, and made in USA. Latino/VTA amps are also completely all-American, are an unbeatable value and superb sonically. Not necessarily so with Latino/VTA being completely all-American. If bought in kit form then it depends on where the kit is shipped. Good point! |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 16, 2016 10:29:04 GMT -5
I'll have an amp in a few days that uses KT150s, and am looking forward to hearing them. What amp is that? Mark Audio Research VT80 |
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 16, 2016 12:16:49 GMT -5
Looking forward to your review and how it pairs with your Tektons, assuming you're still using them. Scott |
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Post by leonski on Jan 4, 2017 0:24:27 GMT -5
How do you like that Xilica processor? I see you have the 4080. Have you yet experimented with the FIR filters? Did you look at MiniDSP products? The new 2x4HD while NOT a balanced design is very low noise and easily configured on your PC or MAC. Some other in the MiniDSP line can configure FIR filters.
Let everyone know how that DSP works for you. I'll need to go that way in my next 'upgrade' cycle when I go to true biamp as I delete my speaker level crossovers.
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