Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo AMPs Amps amps... solid state/tube transistors?

Fun times...
I am planning on listening to a set of M80s from Jakewash, as he is the closest place I can demo.

However, my deliema is presently I have a "decent" stereo
and of course like every audiophiler, we all get a case of "upgradeitus"

Presently this is my system:

Totem Hawk
Tara Labs RSC Prime 1000 Speaker Wire
Conrad Johnson CAV-50
Jolida JD100 CDP with stage 1 mods
Virtual Dynamic Nites power cables
MIT Magnum IC's

Though a reasonably warm, and refined system... very spacial
I'm just getting bored, hence my intrests in the M80

Chances are my system just won't cut it for the M80's and likely I'll have to look to upgrading the Amp at least, if not start looking for better source componants and wires (i.e. Simaudio is in mind)

but for the Amp... what is your recommendations for "stereo"?

apparently the Denon PMA-2000 is a giant killer in the intergrate stuff, matching up to almost amps from Arcam, MF, Krell, Bryston costing close to three times the price
http://ca.denon.com/ProductDetails/553.asp

however again what I listed was "solid state"

In terms of "tubes" I would like a more power intergrate as the conrad has a tendancy to start compressing the dynamics when driven hard. I could use it as a pre-amp to a Mcintosh power amp solution.. but I just don't find the Mcintosh equipment to be as refined as others for the price range.

Ever heard of Grant Fidelity? This might be the way to go, as they have an intergrate (simular to the Denon) having two dedicated power circuits, like having a bi-amping intergrated

thanks!

Take a look at Emotiva.com's XPA2. I have the XPA5(200w x5 8ohm or 350w x5 @ 4 ohm) and it works GREAT with my m80's,vp150, and qs8's........ The XPA2 is only $799!!!


XPA2
Number of channels: 2
Amplifier Class: Short signal path A/B
Output design: Triple Darlington with Toshiba output stages
Differential Drive: Dual Differential input
Types of inputs: Both Balanced (XLR) and Un-balanced (RCA)
Type of outputs: Audiophile quality 5 way binding post
Display type: Digital VU meters
Metering: 14) Blue LEDS and 1) red per channel
Power output: 250 watts RMS/ channel into 8 ohms, 500 watts RMS/ channel into 4 ohms and 1000 watts RMS bridged.
THD+N at rated power output: 0.007%
S/N ratio: >100db
Frequency response: 10 to 120Khz (-3db) and 20 to 20 (with less than .15db deviation)
Gain structure: 32db
Transformer size: 1600va mounted in a super structure
Secondary capacitance: 120,000uF
Weight: Approximately 75 pounds
Retail price: $799.00
17” W x 7.75” H x 19” D
Additional features: Glass epoxy pc boards, 1% resisters, Metal film capacitors, soft start circuitry (does not have a current spike on start up), dual stage rectifiers and secondary capacitance.

Compartmentalized design for greater isolation from noise. The transformer, is mounted in it's own substructure. The amplfiier channels are all fully shielded, and the unit has switches for turning the metering and/or status LEDs on or off. The amplifier also features automatic voltage selection.

The ultimate high power 2 channel reference amp. Every aspect of the amp was designed for superior performance.

I don't think you're going to get a lot of traction around here for the notion of running M80's with a tube amp. You might call Axiom and speak with Alan, JC or Brent.

I use Odyssey Audio monoblocks to drive my 80's using my Denon as a pre and the sound/power is unbelievable.

I don't see why you couldn't run M80s with a tube amp. The M80s are the most sensitive speaker in Axioms line up, making them the best choice to run with the lower power of tube amps.

Paul, welcome. First, a couple of immediate comments would be that: your present setup is certainly more than just "decent"; in relation to "upgradeitis", as I've pointed out before, I had upgraditis as a child and apparently developed an immunity, so I can speak on these matters a little more dispassionately.

I'm sure that you'll enjoy hearing Jason's M80s and If you decide to get them there doesn't appear to be any compelling reason why the rest of your present system wouldn't "cut it" with them. The M80s are slightly more sensitive than your Hawks and require a little less power, so there would appear to be no need to be searching for another amplifier if your CAV-50 has been powering the Hawks adequately.

As to the wiring, you have a collection of very expensive wires there right now. If you were starting from scratch you'd be given advice to consider a low-cost source such as MonoPrice, which would allow you to buy wiring which would do the job just as well for less than a tenth of what you paid. No apparent reason for a change there.

I used my Jolida JD302b tube amp on my M80's when i got it just to see how it did and was very surprised at the levels I could get to with its relatively low power output compared to my Odyssey monoblocks. Would I choose something like that as my primary amplifier? No. I would want something with more power. But could I be happy with it if I had to? Sure.

Your CJ is nearly the same power in ultralinear mode as the jolida. If you like the M80's then get them and give them a try on your current amp. If you need more then you can always do it. Thats just my opinion. Although, I think inevitably... you'll want more.

r3cc0s, If you want and have the means, you could always bring along the Totems for a direct comparison.

I'm thinking that might be a good idea

I'm also going to see whether the lineup of products from Grant Fidelity (a local tube transistor based electronics company)has a solution which can provide me the finesse that the CAV has with more current.

We all think it would be a good idea

don't forget to take lots of notes.