SWL

XLS 802d = Clean but grainy, edgy and fatiguing. Used with JM Peach...........crap sound.XTI 2000= natural sounding to my ears, non-fatiguing. Used with JM Peach...............worked well together. Getting equipment that is compatible with each other seems like half the battle.............then the room etc.[]

What did you have in mind?

I've read from different sources that amps do not have a particular sound quality.........that it solely depends on the preamp and other equipment upstream from the power amp. I have a hard time believing that the amp is completely neutral in determining what comes out of the speakers. I've had five different amplifiers in my house in the last few years hooked up to the same preamp, cdp etc. and they were all not the same. I understand that a 500 watt amp may sound different than a 100 watt amp because of the power/voltage difference etc. An example would be the Crown XLS series vs. the XTI series. The XLS 802d and the XTI 2000 are similar power ratings but the XTI's offer much, much better sound quality hooked up to the same preamp, cdp etc. in my house. Now, I'm always reading how guys are describing their amplifier's sound qualities............so the guys stating otherwise, what would back up their claim that amps are not a factor in determining the resulting sound characteristics in a given stereo system?

Exactly...........When it's on you don't know it...........but when it's taken out of the system you will.[]

Nice subs.[]

In my own experiences I have found that a sub/subs not properly tuned to the room and in my case..........going overboard with the gains on the subs will definitely not sound natural to the music or the movie. I have been guilty many times running the subs "hot" just because I like the sound of them so much.[] For my listening rooms.....I have found that bigger may be better but less is more.[]

What kind of subs with the K-horns? How many?

Marantz 3600 preamp with Marantz MA-700 monoblocks and Klipsch RB-75's.[Y][Y]

I haphazardly used the word "boom" before............I guess is was thrown around so many times I jumped on the bandwagon. My bass is awesome...........It's like OB said, some of the effects are really bad and don't make sense sometimes. In my collection only a handful of them are worth trying to impress somebody as far as the special effects go but when it's done right it is really cool.

I gotta have a sub.........or two......or three......no matter what.[Y] A properly tuned sub (or subs) adds sooooo much to the listening experience.[]

.........A lot of discussion on these subs over at the AVS forum that may or may not be helpful.[*-)]

Sounds like you're pretty set on not using tubes........respectfully, just curious why? I just picked up a pair of Heresy's and intend on using them with tubes.........mostly based on reading and being a member of this forum. My experience with tubes so far in the last year or so has really got me intrigued. Not trying to sway you one way or the other...........I also am in the process of finding what will work best with the Heresy's at a reasonable price (used).[*-)]

I feel the same way OB. Concert DVD's get a lot of play on my main system. I'm getting the feeling that is the sole reason why some of our friends come over for...........Requests to watch a concert DVD are pretty common. I mean in some ways it's better than being there!![] The movie effects are not as appealing to me anymore either, although it is nice once in a while to watch something that was done properly. The cheezy effects just get old after a while.[|-)] I guess I just have more of a passion to hear music on a fine system rather than the fake "boom-boom".[*-)]

Parrots may come and go, but the topics usually remain the same. Scott (SWL), have you thought anymore on what SET amp you'd like to mate with your Peach and RB-75s? I just got a pair of Heresy's (80's) to throw into the mix. So, I have gotten a few offers that are somewhat local that I can do some experimenting with the Peach/ Heresy/RB-75 configuration. I will take my time to find the "right" amp for this system. PS........Traded the Mini Max for a nice pair of oiled walnut Heresy's.

I'm in the NW burbs almost every weekend and check out Saturday's Audio pretty frequently. Thanks much for the invite.........I would definitely like to get a listen.[] In fact, I will be attending the AK (tube) fest next Saturday in Northbrook. I'm bringing my JM Peach, other members are bringing tube pre's, tube cdp's, tube amps and various speakers. I'm curious to check out the Dynaco ST-70..........seems like they're everywhere.

That's really cool jt. What subs are you using with the 75's? I know a lot of guys here frown on subs with their two channel systems but I use a Klipsch LF-10 on the high impedance and it fills the bottom very nicely for a bedroom system.[]

Thanks Bruce. I think you're exactly right and that is the approach I plan on taking.I've learned quite a bit in the last few years with all of this. "Upgradeitis" can put a serious dent in the old bank account. I plan on buying used and hopefully I can find someone/someplace locally to be able to listen to a tube amp with RB-75's. Now for a slightly different scenario..........JM Peach and Heresy's...........Will the Heresy's jive well with a SET amp?

Yes, this Eastern Electric Mini Max push pull type amp has beautiful sound indeed...........but does not pack a punch. That's ashame because the sound is wonderful. I will be looking for a tube amp to pair up with the RB-75's and the JM Peach ll that has very good sound quality and significant power if the mood strikes me...........and it often does.[]

Yes, the Mini Max has 6BM8 tubes along with the Mullard rectifier tube.

I guess I'll bring em back in the house now.[]

Just curious................What kind of problem did you have with your Crown?

Thank you very much for the opportunity. Yes, just putting the RB-75's (bookshelf version of the RF-7) in the back seat to go for a listen would be a great idea.You said a "pair" of 45 amps. Are these SET amps two-channel or mono-blocks?

I just started getting into tubes less than a year ago.........thank you very much.[] In my two-channel set up I have RB-75's powered by a JM Peach ll and an Eastern Electric Mini Max tube amp (push pull). As good as this sounds, I will be getting rid of the Mini Max this weekend. Unfortunately, not quite enough output. I've been reading that the low powered SET amps are the ticket for horns. Would a SET amp be suitable for the Peach/RB-75 combo? What would be a reasonable price for a used SET amp? The whole "Home Theatre Experience" has pretty much came and went with me. No more excitement with it. No big surprises, just headaches. Vibrating seats, cheezy surround effects etc.[|-)] Two speakers and tubes glowing has really made me enjoy music all over again.[] Thanks, Scott.

[ip] ........................someday.[H]

Thanks, Wuzzer.I thought about the MBM in the past but shot down the idea because of having four RF-7's. I still wonder if it will really have any impact with my current set up. On the other hand.............."impact" I already have. It's making the upper bass frequencies more present for an overall better presentation, especially for rock music. If anyone has experience with the MBM, I'd like to hear them. Especially an RF-7 / MBM combo. I might just have to try it.