Lush Warm Amp suggestion

[dsavitsk]

I am looking for suggestions on a new amp. What I want in an amp is warmth, depth, lushness, euphony, ... all the things I am not supposed to admit to wanting. Truth is, I don't care at all if it is neutral and accurate. I want it to sound pleasing.


Currently, I am using a Melos SHA-1. Up until recently, I had a set of Amperex 7308 tubes in it that got it pretty close to this point. The amp, however, killed the tubes. They have been replaced with another set of Amperex 7308s, but this set has a PQ on the side. They are more accurate and have more bass than the last set, but they are not as fun. So, if there are particular tubes that will solve my problem, that would be fine, but switching amps would also be fine.

As for amps, while I am willing to consider anything, and while I have heard a lot of megabuck systems, I have never heard a solid state amp that could do it for me.

Last, the ability to audition is essential. I am always happy to spend a few extra dollars to be able to go to a dealer and play with possibles.

For reference, the rest of the system is a Cary 303/200, Cardas neutral refs, and Grado RS-1s.

-d

 

[sacd lover]

Singlepower ppx3 with RCA clear top tubes. Warm rich tone meets bass power and slam. Get the straight stock ppx3 it has more warmth than the more neutral and accurate(upgraded) solen stage 1 models.

 

[bifcake]

PPX3 6sn7
Cary SLP-88
Cary SLP-2002
Cary CAD 300SEI
Emmerline Stealth (less so than others)

 

[mulveling]

You should also add the Audio Valve RKV Mk II to your list for consideration. It's the by far the warmest and lushest of all the amps I've had, and it's got a reputation for the attributes you listed. I am not sure about how to audition, but you can either: look for it at a head-fi meet near you, buy used and resell for minimal loss (if any), or ask Meier audio if an audition is possible.

 

[TimSchirmer]

ear hp4, but in a good way

 

[GlowWorm]

I just wanted to throw the HD300 into the mix, and I would assume the HD25 would be similar.

 

[jpelg]

Why not try some different tubes in the Melos? Check out Joe's Tube Lore, and/or the Melos Tuberolling thread here, to get more info on the tube variants that will give you more of the sound you are striving for. Some (expensive) NOS Mullards may do it for you.

Also look at your source. I've never heard the 303/200, but it may not be giving you the sound you want to begin with. You'd be surprised what a different source can do for your system (or maybe not

).

 

[Nik]

EAR HP4 !

Best!
Nicola

 

[dsavitsk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpelg Also look at your source. I've never heard the 303/200, but it may not be giving you the sound you want to begin with. You'd be surprised what a different source can do for your system (or maybe not ).

I did a lot of searching (literally years) before I bought the Cary. I listened to players from Madrigal, Wadia, Theta, EAD, Accuphase, Electrocompaniet, Ayre, McIntosh, Rega, Linn, Meridian, and Rotel just to name a few. There was, to me, some etherial quality to the Cary that did it the best for me. While there are clearly still more players out there to be heard, I think I found one I can be happy with.

Also, the Cary sounds great through my speaker setup, it is just the headphone end that isn't quite there. While this might suggest the I look for different phones, I have tried pretty much everything under $1000, and the Grados seem to be the best of the lot for me (there are a few I didn't try, but the consensus on those phones does not suggest that they are the sonic equivalent of an angora sweater -- K1000s in particular. Also, in addition to the Senn's veil, I thought they felt like I was wearing a motorcycle helmet which was not particularly comfy.) So, it may be that some megabuck headphones are in order, but from reading here I don't really get the sense that this is true. (Maybe some Grado flat pads, however ...)

At this point, I think the most promising are the Cary 300sei (which is particular promising as it could replace my power amp as well) and the EAR. I am not as familiar with some of the others, and the dealer component really is important so I'll have to do some investigating. Please keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks,

-d

 

[Mikey01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlowWorm I just wanted to throw the HD300 into the mix, and I would assume the HD25 would be similar.

The HD 300 is very warm and tube sounding and would do it for you. I owned the HD 300, for some time, and now own the HD 25. The HD 25 sounds completely different than the HD 300. This is so even though the two amps share a similar tube setup, circuit and houseing appearance. The HD 25 is very detailed and analitical like the MPX3. Compareing the two EddieCurrent's would be like compareing banannas and lemons because they are both yellow.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsavitsk I did a lot of searching (literally years) before I bought the Cary. I listened to players from Madrigal, Wadia, Theta, EAD, Accuphase, Electrocompaniet, Ayre, McIntosh, Rega, Linn, Meridian, and Rotel just to name a few. There was, to me, some etherial quality to the Cary that did it the best for me. While there are clearly still more players out there to be heard, I think I found one I can be happy with. Also, the Cary sounds great through my speaker setup, it is just the headphone end that isn't quite there. While this might suggest the I look for different phones, I have tried pretty much everything under $1000, and the Grados seem to be the best of the lot for me (there are a few I didn't try, but the consensus on those phones does not suggest that they are the sonic equivalent of an angora sweater -- K1000s in particular. Also, in addition to the Senn's veil, I thought they felt like I was wearing a motorcycle helmet which was not particularly comfy.) So, it may be that some megabuck headphones are in order, but from reading here I don't really get the sense that this is true. (Maybe some Grado flat pads, however ...) At this point, I think the most promising are the Cary 300sei (which is particular promising as it could replace my power amp as well) and the EAR. I am not as familiar with some of the others, and the dealer component really is important so I'll have to do some investigating. Please keep the suggestions coming. Thanks, -d

there a cary 300sei on ebay uk at the moment.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Whoops I almost forgot to add EMP, although I feel that is downgrading but it is lush and warm.

 

[Zanth]

Yes, before you sell, buy some nice NOS Mullards and enjoy the sound you have been looking for

If that sound isn't enough, I can vouch first hand for the Cary. Mmmm lush definitely fits the bill on that one!