richieb

What type of sound/slam/tight bass, upper extension can I expect with about 10 watts of EL-84 Pentode power, driving Belles. This integrated is made in Japan, now thats a change, by Almarro and seems like a fun, inexpensive piece to play with. How does the Pentode design compare to other tube designs for quaility of sound, reliability, etc. Thanks, Rich

What is general feeling on mixing and matching tube and SS amps/pre-amps. I am considering a tube pre with a McIntosh SS power amp. What problems can I run into? Is it the tube pre or tube power that gives you the "tube" sound? Or a combination of both? Then again I have always liked integrated amps, owned a Cayin TA-30 and it sounded pretty fair but would like to make a considerable upgrade and looking at seperates is in the plans.

Anyone familier with Midwest Audio tube gear. With my minimal knowledge of tubes it looks like a nice piece for reasonable on AGon. Seems to be well put together, high grade components and tube rectified. Any experiences? Really looks nice and may pull the trigger. Same but differant, has anyone heard Pauls TAD - 60 integrated from BizzyBee. I know, Chinese crap that has been constructed to Pauls specs but for what paid for his Cayin TA-30 for my first tube experience a couple years ago, it didn't sound too bad - for what I paid. The new 60 is built for Paul by Audcom and looks substantial. Do not know if it is tube rectified as are monos. Comments on the TAD - 60? Rich

Thanks guys for all your input - there is a long time Mac dealer in town who can have a look and from what eveyone has been saying it sounds like there is a problem. I am going to mull it over tonight. Gilbert, I'll let you know. Pisses me off when you think you have found a decent deal on equipment you've been wanting to try and then, problems. Course then again, my beautiful and described as "perfect" Oak/Cane Belles were picked up with blown tweeters. Now I wouldn't trade 'em for a million bucks, well, maybe a million and one!!!!!!! Rich

Thanks Gary/Paul - I've got in narrowed down to the loudness control. On the C-26 it is labeled flat to the left and max to the right. I have not had a loudness control on any equipment for years but when I did it would either be flat or off. Here where it gets funny, at the flat setting is where there is most volume gain and the worst hum, at max setting is the least volume gain and no hum. I am confused. As I turn toward max nearly all the mids and highs are gone along with hum. At full flat all frequency is as they should be but with a lot of hum. Never seen a loudness control like this. Although once everthing is adjusted just so, it sounds pretty good. This is all connected to my second system, Corns, crappy wire and an older CD. But hum is hum no matter what it will connected to. The seller said he would take it back or pay for a tech but I am not sure it is worth the trouble. Whats an ignorant Mac guy supposed to do.

Did not get a chance to preview, now I am not sure I got such a good deal as I have never owned Mac before. I get quite a bit of hum when I turn the L-R channel gains up to about one-third. Is this normal? Don't sound right to me. My MOSFET integrated is stone cold silent. Hope I did not buy a pig in a poke. Any ideas? Thanks Rich

Have found a local sale for a pristine, hardly used Mac 2505 amp and C-26 pre with perfect walnut cases, $700 for the pair. What do ya think of the price and how will that pair with Belles? Rich

Much as I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I replaced my Fortes with '76 Cornwalls, my Belles have put the Corns in the back room with a lowly HK 430. For my ears Belles just do it for me. So clean, crisp with real, taunt bass, much more precise than the Corns. For example, pulled the Corns into the main system just a couple weekends ago, listed for one evening, a very short session the next morning and back they went. Even with new BEC "B" networks the Corns sound veiled and lacked the absolute precision of the fully horn loaded Belle sound. For my taste, Belles with BEC "A/AA" convertibles run on the "A" side are the cats meow. For what its worth, my significant other who loves (loved) the Corns agrees; the Corns won't ever be sold but we listen to Belles.

There are beautifully re-stored ST-70 and Mk.lll and IV on Agon and if one can find a nice 299A/B and then let NOS do his magic, which provide the best overall sound vs. value. Would the added expense of a pre for the Dynaco make the Scott more appealing. I could see a like new Dynaco paired with a Merlin making great sound for around $1500 vs. the re-stored Scott for around $700. Worth the difference?

What would have happened if Klipsch would have stuck to Heritage only? You had the answer, they would have gone under, it was survival. Look at the generic designs of todays speakers. Tall, thin with multiple drivers or small cubes on stands. Much of this forced on designers for HT applications and space issues. Like any other successful, consumer driven company , they had to adapt. Looks like it worked.

Plan to ride from KC. Not sure if we are starting the trek at Hope and then on to the Blue Ridge Mtns or the reverse and catch Hope on the way home. Either way, this is going to be several days of great riding. Have planned on a ride to Hope for the past couple years and now the Pilgrammage makes it a done deal.

RichieB and Linda - ridin' the Bimmer from KC down through those great Arkansas roads then on to Tennessee/Kentucky and the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Should be a great early summer trip.

Early 70's - first Infinity brand speaker issued JBL LE-15A; JBL LE-85; LX-5 xover in custom built cabinets - selling was bad mistake Mcintosh MC 1 Klipsch LaScalla Phase Tech satellite system (in favor of LaScalla) ???????????? Klipsch Heresy JBL 4312B Mirage OM-7 - pretty damn nice Magneplaner 1.6 QR - not bad Triangle Celius EX - very nice - would consider brand again - all inhouse design/manufacture of all components - and my college girl friend was French - ooh la la !!!!!!! Klipsch Forte Klipsch Cornwall Klipsch Forte ll - didn't like as well as forte 1 Klipsch Belle - the Queen of them all

edwinr - Are you familier with the Redgum line of SS amplifiers? Handmade in your neck of the woods Down-under. Is Redgum a popular line since it is locally made? I have had mine for well over a year and have been totally staisfied with its performance and have no desire to change. Beautiful to look at, great to listen.

I know that in my system Belles have all the CORRECT bass I require. Is it sometimes a bit shy on some recordings, yeah, but overall the sound is so clean, crisp and right, a bit of shy bass now and then is a small tradeoff. For my ears The Belles produce the right bass. And as one poster says on his tag line, "all the bass worth hearing". A great line I wish I had said.

Great observation Gilbert and for us proud Bells owners this is obviously a good thing. That is why when last year I saw a pair of rare Oak/Cane Belles in near perfect condition for $1300, after I nearly fainted, I jumped all over 'em. With re-built tweeters and new BEC A/AA xovers, they sound awesome. And the looks are classic and as many have said, one of the most beautiful cabinet designs ever. I would not consider parting with these for a penney under $2500 and they are worth every bit of that. Being real honest, as nice as mine are and with what I would have to spend to come close in looks and sound performance, it would probably take closer to $3000. That may seem extreme when you can buy KHorns for that and less but Belle owners have to consider what it would take to replace these Classics.

"Mist" lifted long ago but I see grandstanding rules over constructive comments. Observing the forum has become much more enjoyable than posting.

Have been toying with the idea of using pure Class A power with my Belles/Corns. Currently using a MOSFET powered integrated with excellent results; crystal clear, zero grain, smooth, detailed and non-fatiguing. My question, do Class A and MFET mimic each other in the way they operate in that both are non-switching? Am I correct that MFET is non-switching? Will Class A give that almost tube-like sound that MFET gives? I may buy the Class A and test one against the other, odd man out.

It has been a while, where you been T 42. Good to hear from again. Rich

Been there. Done that. Don't bother.

I consider my oak/cane Belles to be excellent condition and an offer of less than $2K would not even get my attention. And to be honest, I don't think I would sell them for less than $2.5K, whether I would get that is another story but really doesn't matter - ain't for sale!

Those are beauties JMON, good deal, great price. They are AAALLLMOST as nice looking as my Oak/Cane Belles!!!![]

Sorry about the shipping woes but know how you feel as I am sure many forum members do. Once received damaged electronic gear and it was like pulling teeth dealing with the shipper. As for FedEx, two guys that work in my warehouse also work nights at FdEx. I would imagine the more angry minded of the two, after a shitty day at his first job, might be able to toss a Corn 10-15 feet. Oh the stories I hear. It makes me wonder how anythings arrives intact. And don't forget, FedEx ground is nothing more than re-badged RPS - Roadway Package Service - a truck line courrier service bought by FedEx. FedEx Overnite is a whole differant ballgame, and you pay for it.

Sorry for skimming the ad too quickly and for the geographical error - if its too far for you, then don't bother. Just tryin' to help.