bluesboy Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I had Chuck (Tarheel) over this afternoon for a totally non-scientific and pointless comparison test between three amplifiers that I've got in my system. The speakers and source are as follows: The speakers are hybrid k-horns using bass bins with the backs closed in. The horn section is Altec 511-b horns with 902 drivers with Beyma cp-25 tweeters on the outside. The crossovers are ALK universals. The source is a Sony S9000es disc player. Amp # 1 Kailin Chinese tube amp Amp # 2 Harmon Kardon 630 ss reciever Amp # 3 Fisher X-100 tube amp Song List: It's Easy/JJ Cale Eric Clapton/Road to Escnodido I'm an Old Cowhand/Sonny Rollins/Way out West Sultans of Swing/Dire Straits Couple More Years/Jerry Lee Lewis,Willie Nelson/Last Man Standing The point is to see if Chuck can guess in a blind test which amp is playing when and to rank the three in terms of overall sound quality. I'm hoping Chuck is still sober enough to reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What was the beverage of choice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Maker's Mark Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Think either of these guys will remember this thread tomorrow? [<)] Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Maker's Mark Kentucky straight bourbon whisky With a splash of water...yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chili bone Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 A few of those with a splash of water and all of those amps will sound good. Nice weather we had in Wilmywood this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Welcome chili bone....good to have another Wilmingtonian on the forum. Next time you can join us if you don't mind hanging out with old fogies[] I will pm you my address if you care to stop by and hear my modest set up. As far as the test my preferance was the same as bluesboy's with a vintage Fisher finishing first. The surprise was the SS HK sounded much better than the little chinese tube amp. The HK 630 was impressive especially considering the $60 price tag. I guess the 35 wpc helped with bass output and the Kailin sounded rather sterile and lacking depth. And yes Dave I did worry that the Makers Mark was influancing what I was hearing but by the time I began thinking about it was too late[:^)] So.......a nice diversion for a Sunday afternoon and some good music. JB, Arky, and chili bone.....bluesboy and I do the MM with 2 small cubes of ice...doing our share to conserve water[D] Chuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 I'm listening to Neil Young Live at Massey Hall right now on tape from the RT -909 to the HK. This sounds as good as I've ever heard it. I think the next test might be to try the amps using the RTR as the souce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 What the world needs is a nice switch box that will let you blind test amps with out having to disconnect pre-amps and speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowntnbkr Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!![+o(] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!! I am told a big fat reefer takes the edge off digital and SS makes almost any old amp sound like fine tubes... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!! I am told a big fat reefer takes the edge off digital and SS makes almost any old amp sound like fine tubes... Dave It works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB Slammin Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!! I am told a big fat reefer takes the edge off digital and SS makes almost any old amp sound like fine tubes... Dave It works for me. LMBO! My brothers.[}] You are true southern audio men, one and all. You make me feel..............normal[] tc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!! I am told a big fat reefer takes the edge off digital and SS makes almost any old amp sound like fine tubes... Dave It works for me. LMBO! My brothers.You are true southern audio men, one and all. You make me feel..............normal tc Indeed. On my honor as a southern gentleman, and a Texan to boot, I have it on the highest authority. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted February 11, 2009 Author Share Posted February 11, 2009 Battle of the cheap amps...........need cheap booze........Mad Dog 20/20!!!!!!!! I am told a big fat reefer takes the edge off digital and SS makes almost any old amp sound like fine tubes... Dave It works for me. LMBO! My brothers.You are true southern audio men, one and all. You make me feel..............normal tc Indeed. On my honor as a southern gentleman, and a Texan to boot, I have it on the highest authority. Dave I love it. True Southern Audio Men.....I think I'll start a club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I just picked up a used HK PA 2100 off c list. Great amp at a great price!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 whats the criteria to be a cheap amp....is it current used price...or a low price off shore amp with shoddy workmanship? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 whats the criteria to be a cheap amp....is it current used price...or a low price off shore amp with shoddy workmanship? Yes Fritz......either or both. For a bottle of Makers Mark bluesboy and I will test all the above. If we can't decide or remember which amp was best we will send the amp to IB Slammin and Dave for further evaluation[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 After this purchase, I'm a fan of buying used gear. You get great sound for DIRT cheap!!! [Y] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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