Hi guys,

I got a good deal on a Antiue Sound Lab MGSi15 DT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER. However, it is rated at 15WPC only. Is this able to power my M3ti speaker?

Also, how different a tube amp can sound from a solid-state amp?

Thanks for any input.

I have an Antique Sound Labs MG S1 15DT and never run it in pentode mode (15 wpc). I only use the 5 wpc triode mode and in this mode I used the ASL to drive a pair of M3s which it did magnificently. I've switched to an M22 style speaker from Michaura which sure looks like and sounds like an Axiom speaker. Anyway, the ASL has absolutely no problem driving the M3s in 5 wpc mode (triode is simply sweeter and more accurate sounding than the 15 wpc pentode mode).

Your ASL also has an output for a sub. The M3s appreciate the low end assistance of a nice, fast and musical sub. (I use a Velodyne 8" which simply disappeared when paired with the wonderful M3s).

Enjoy your ASL, it is a drop dead wonderful, dead quiet, accurate, lushly musical integrated tube amp which is a perfect companion for the M3s.

one tube watt equals two solid state watts, you schould be fine.

Thanks for your reply.
Now, I'm wondering if tube amp is any better sounding than any solid state amp in that price range. Any thoughts? I'll appreciate it if someone can give me some advices as which amp to go i.e ASL tube amp or and other amp in that price range ($500).

Thanks.

Depends on what kind of music you like. If you like to rock the house loud, the ASL isn't a top choice. If you like jazz, crooners and female vocals, new age, etc., it'd be very difficult to do better than the ASL.

I have a few other systems, with more expensive solid state receivers, an Onkyo 797THX and a 6 channel Sony STRDB 1070. The latter drives 4 Michaura M55s (same as the 2 driven by the ASL) with a Merak MC6H center and a 15" Dahlquist sub, the Onkyo a pair of M60 like Michaura M665s, another pair of M55s, a pair of Mission 77ds back surrounds, another Merak MC6H center and a pair of subs, a Klipsch LF10 and Velodyne CHT100.

For sweet sounding music, and accuracy, the ASL holds its own against the Onkyo system, even though the Onkyo is sourced with what was originally a $2000 MSRP Toshiba SD9200 DVD Audio player. When it comes to imaging and soundstage, none of my solid state systems can hold a candle to the ASL Ah! Njoeb Tjoeb, 8" Velodyne combo.

If you're interested in solid state you may want to consider the Outlaw 1050 at $499. If you want a steal in a sweet sounding receiver, try to find a Technics SADX 940-1050. These can be found steeply discounted and are unbelievably sweet sounding for a powerful 5 channel solid state. (which can be used for 2 channel no problem!) From my experiences, I'd stay away from Harman Kardon products, the last good one I had was an AVR 20, which in my opinion is just not in the same league as the others mentioned.

Ill agree with the comment about Harman kardon products with the exception of the HK PA-5800, this is a 5 channel amp rated 80 X 5 into 8ohms and i think 110 X 5 into 4 ohms. if you check out audioreview.com and read the over 100 reviews of this amp you will see its a grea 5 channel SS amp, just very hard to find but I did see a few for sale on audiogon.com. As for tube vs SS, I have owned a few tube amps over the years and the amp I currently run on my mains is a solid state amp but it is very "tube like" sounding, its a B&K ST-104 and can be had for cheap if you keep your eyes open.

Also on the subject of HK stuff... I've not heard good things about their modern equipment (5.1 and the like) - but I have an older SS early 80's model that is quite fine - sure, it's just 2 channel, but that's all I really want (this is just for music)... it's rated at 35 watts, but produces very clean power - I don't get chronic clipping problems that many modern amps get as you move up on the volume dial....

just my 2 cents - I'm no audio snob or hardcore audiophile, but from what I've seen (and heard) their stuff from the early 80's back is very good equipment. It's not as collectable (or quite as nice) as an old Marantz, so even their tube amps can be had very inexpensively.

How about the wave8's? I was thinking of picking up a pair of these monoblocs if I can find a good price on a pre-amp. Does the waves have the capacity to hook a sub up to them? Will they be able to drive the M3's?

I can't wait getting a tube amp for my M3 ti. Most of the time, I find the speaker is too bright. Hopefully, a tube amp can tame that.

oh....btw, I hooked up my M3ti to my friend's Bryston preamp+amp+_Rega Planet CD player and......it sounds like crap. It's even worse than playing through my HK3470 amp. Any idea why this happen?

If you don't mind my asking, where did you buy ASL? There's only one high-end store in Halifax, and I don't think they carry the brand. I make pretty regular trips to Toronto, though. Do you know of a good dealer?

Hello
I found my ASL at Jeff's Sound Values. They ship, they are ASL dealers, also have demos for sale at terrific prices and are pretty nice folks.

http://www.jeffssoundvalues.com/Default.htm

There's another local dealer which ships and has other very interesting and high end gear at pretty good prices:

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/

I'm very happy with my ASL. Good luck

Of course you can always order from ASL's main distributor:

http://www.divertech.com/antiquesl.html

tryhttp://www.jeffssoundvalues.com/ they have a good selection of asl amps

Since there have been many posts in this thread, to save individual reply posts, I will compose a single response with directed comments.

savage10 - tube amps are vastly different from solid state amps in both positive and negative ways. The short of it is that by choosing a quality amp - like the ASL - you should be fine. There advantages and disadvantages to each type of amplifier, and you should research these before you decide on the path. As you have read, there are people who are satisfied with the tube/Axiom combination. I own a tube amp (seldom used) and have not listened with my Axioms - this is now on my list of combinations to try.

Also, with regards to your Bryston/Rega combination sounding poor, it would be difficult to assess the issues remotely. Suffice to state that the equipment mfg'ers make very good quality equipment and are squarely in the hifi realm. I have owned Bryston and Rega components for many years, and found them to be excellent. In my "midfi" system - for lack of a better term, is the Planet CD unit.

formula1freak - There is no hard and fast rule or calculation for comparing "wattage" from one style of amp to another. Your statement is invalid in many aspects of electronics,as it could be true under certain conditions, but for the most part it can not be stated as such.

fhw - if you regularly travel to Toronto, some 45mins-1hr down the 401 is Kitchener - the home of Divergent Technologies ...as mentioned. PS, Divergent also distributes some other amazing products.....