TJIann

The BD-103 does all the same things at half the price of the 105 too I think.

I purchased a cheap mini Acer laptop to make into a dedicated music server (but you can use any cheap/used/outdated laptop for this). Then connected a 2TB portable external drive to hold lossless music in FLAC format (24bit HD format downloads and uploaded CDs of my favorite artists...a continuing process). I use Foobar 2000 as my player (works great, is easy to tailor after a short learning curve, plays HD files, can be used to convert between formats, etc. and is free to download). I run this via HDMI cable into my preamp (Outlaw Audio 975 with a good DAC), and then out to my McIntosh amp/Klipsch Heritage speakers. Sounds great. The HD music is pretty much equal to my vinyl versions of the same without the clicks and pops.

Anyone own a PrimaLuna Prologue 5 with the KT88s in it?

Makes sense on the tubes now that I think about the very different situations. For guitar amps its typically about varying levels of tube saturation to get that perfect overdriven tone. For stereo its about clean headspace....avoiding distortion. Hence, tube type should not matter too much.

So, I'm starting to look around at stereo tube power amps in the $1.5K or less range (see previous post). This would drive my Cornwall II (or alternatively my Heresy Is). Anyway, I've been talking with Justin at AmpsandSound and have been considering his Stereo 15. My only reservation is the EL84 tubes. Here's why. I have owned many guitar tube amps in the last few years. I've never cared for any of them where the power tubes were EL84s. The ones I love usually have EL34 power tubes, or 6L6s. That said, it may very well be a different ball game with stereo amps, I just don't know as I have never owned one. Is it just primarily a power difference, or is the tone/sound that much different for music through EL84s vs. say EL34s? I do know that I want at least 15 watts output, maybe as much as 30 or so. I'm sure I'm opening up a can of worms to discuss tube brands, matching, etc. But what the heck. Just looking for your all's take. Thanks. Tim

Before doing that, let me find out where the gain adjustment lies in a Mc2105.Page 6 of your manual give detailed instructions o7n setting the gain controls! Yes, but I don't have the CBS test record to run through their setup. I followed the steps you outlined and came close to where I had the gains set. A bit lower for both and then adjust the right gain up a bit and the imaging is great. Thanks.

Awesome thread! Thanks guys. I'm pouring myself a bourbon and then going down to my lounge and re-adjust the gain knobs on my McIntosh 2105 properly.

- I did a setup that upgraded the caps and the titanium diaphragms - I found the titanium too bright at first but it did settle in after a month or so - will you part with the crossovers or just do the upgrade of the caps - I am interested in the CWII stock crossovers if you decide to sell these - I usually keep the original parts when I do mods to any equipment, but I'll let you know. Thanks for the feedback!

Ok. I have CWIIs and am going to do a Crites upgrade by replacing the crossover (this is the one on back of the input cover) and replace the tweeter diaphram with Bobs titanium one. Who here has CIIs and has done these mods? How's the improvement in your opinion? Other alternatives (for CIIs, not other versiins) that you have found are better? Thanks.

Never mind... Dave FYI. I failed to mention. My buddy who sold me on the Jolida last year drives his Cornwalls ecclusively with an FX10 snd it sounds great.

Foobar 2000. Awesome. I play mostly HD music. With there is a little learning curve, you can configure the player to your taste and put on the necessary add-ins for SACD, etc.

I have the Oppo 103. I run the HDMI out to my Outlaw Audio 975 preamp. Anyone else notice a delay in the start of the songs on CDs from the Oppo? I get that a lot. Annoying. I guess I could go analog out and just use the DAC in my preamp, but seems like I should not have too do that.

Seriously thinking about building an amp. But Justin's (ampandsound) Stereo 15 is tempting too.

I actually have a Jolida FX 10 and their tube DAC. Love them. But, for this particular application, I am looking for a tube power amp only to A/B with my McIntosh in my main system. I use the Jolida in another room. Killer amps and look awesome.

So many great ones, but here are a few great sounding ones that I have recently been listening too: Luther Dickinson "Hambone's Meditations" Taylor guitars put out two CDs called "Sounds of Wood and Steel" that are various artists playing Taylor guitars. Just outstanding and beautiful sounding! Al Di Meola "All Your Life" (Beatles tribute by Al recorded at Abby Road last year)

OK. I love my McIntosh MC2105. But thinking about getting a tube power amp as well. Leaning towards the Dynaco 70, possibly one of the new kits to build. Wondering if there are other affordable tube amps in the sub $1K range I should consider as alternatives? Thanks. Tim

No that sounds horrible. I love the sound of stereo recordings when I select "Enhanced Stereo" which is my NAD T175HD pre/pro's implementation of "all channel stereo". The sound really envelopes the listener while maintaining spot on imaging with a huge soundstage. The NAD's version is leaps and bounds better than any other brands AllCh.St. that I have ever heard. Bill I started using my "enhanced stereo" setting on my Outlaw Audio preamp. I have Cornwall IIs front, Heresy rears, and Heresy center. I've never heard music sound better. As an example, I recently picked up the Genesis early years (Gabriel-era albums) vinyl box set. I sit in the sweet spot and listen to these albums and pick up nuances of the music I never heard before coming from the various speakers. Sound awesome in regular stereo through just the Cornwalls as well, but that much better from all the speakers.

Yes sir! I've got one on it's side at about ear level when sitting down. Awesome.

I've been doing some reading on the vinyl reissues from CA on vinyl forums and I'm pretty sure its the Universal Group that she is referring to. Apparently the 180gm Back in Black series of reissues can be pretty bad sounding.

Outstanding article!!! OK, I have to ask.....what is the CA vinyl pressing company they are referring to as producing vinyl from crappy masters?

Yes, I would be interested. I'll PM you.

Hi folks. Happy Friday. I have a set-up that I really like with a Mac MC 2105 amp (Outlaw Audio 975 preamp for the modern digital hookups) and Cornwall II fronts, Heresy rears and a heresy center. I love the sound of this setup; run it in "enhanced stereo" for my music (and with a Klipsch subwoofer for HT. Anyway, I also have a very cool Jolida 10W tube amp and I would like to be able to easily switch to that for stereo music listening when the mood hits me. So, I want to grab a simple amp switcher to do that (i.e., just hook speaker cables to switcher and use the switch to select which amp drives the speakers. What is your experience with these? Recommendations? Cautions? Thanks! Tim

Confusing for sure. This is the site I usually use. You sure that the "5" is not really an "S"? I've read that these are easily confused. If that's an S as the third digit, then they are from 1978. Try this: http://home.earthlink.net/~ivol/klipsch_cornwall/klipsch_date_codes.htm

So, I use Foobar to manage my HD and other FLAC files. I run it on a PC dedicated for this purpose connected to my preamp/DAC via HDMI, then to my power amp. Of course, Foobar has a volume control, and the PC has a volume control. I keep the Foobar volume all the way up and my PC output volume at 75%, then control the play volume with my preamp. Do others use different settings? Just curious if you've found a better balance for sound quality. Happy New Year! Tim

Project Debut Carbon. I love mine. Great value for $400. Paired with McIntosh amp, Cornwalls and Hereseys.