Jump to content

LaScala's and Tubes.


SonicSeeker

Recommended Posts

What tube amps are in use here with LaScala's and what has been tried.

I would just like to know what has been tried and why it works for you.

Comments from owners of other Heritage speakers using tube equipment are welcome also.

I recently sold my tube equipment and am deciding what direction to go next.

 

Tubes only please.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My ownership was (notice past tense)

 

McIntosh MC-30's 

Transcendent SE-OTL (pair)

McIntosh MC-2102

Quad II 

George Wright 2A3

Viva 300B SET

Jolida 502 (unsure of the number but, it doesn't matter... it was bottom of this pile)

 

I noticed some small differences but, nothing huge "(s long as they were playing within their limits)

 

That said, the pair that actually garnered some unsolicited praises from my wife's sister (shocking) AND....my wife herself (ultra shocking) were the Transcendent SE-OTL's.

 

I also felt they sounded the most natural/real....  they just ticked me off in that even when bridged at 4 watts each, I only had 4 watts!!!  I wanted more.  If I could get that same sound with 50/70 watts available I would have kept them.  (balanced inputs would have been nice too)

 

If I were to go back to a tube amp, I personally would look at the OTL stuff first.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A bit contrary to the OP 's topic but I just bought a Pass Labs Class A amp running with one of two SS preamps. And while my primaries are Jubes I thought to slide the LaScalas in position to check their performance. And I know with a new piece its easy to say how great things sound - never heard them sound this good - but in truth the LS show little lack of bass, more than Ive heard with numerous other amps. Absolutely a full soundstage from their placement in front of Jubes, about 20 feet on center. But, and here I go, the LS sound as balanced as I've heard them with other amps. And yes I've run them with DHT single ended 2a3 monos, single eneded KT88, etc. in my opinion to fill out a sometimes lean LS presentation takes not only power (this Class A is only 25 but starts to double down as speaker ohm falls) but also a very stout power supply in the amp. So it ain't only tubes that can get LS to present properly. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m using a Decware SE34I.3 Rachael and  conrad johnson PV10B preamp with my La Scalas. They're in a small room so I don’t need much power. The Decware is around 5 watts per channel using EL34 tubes. I like the sound of this set up very much. Especially when playing vinyl. 

 

The Prima Luna amps look very nice. If anyone has tried those I'd like to read your opinions too.

 

HTH,

Mark

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, cincymat said:

I’m using a Decware SE34I.3 Rachael and  conrad johnson PV10B preamp with my La Scalas. They're in a small room so I don’t need much power. The Decware is around 5 watts per channel using EL34 tubes. I like the sound of this set up very much. Especially when playing vinyl. 

 

The Prima Luna amps look very nice. If anyone has tried those I'd like to read your opinions too.

 

HTH,

Mark

I have also had the Rachael and the Torii Jr and they were quite excellent, but I am thinking I would like to try something else this time.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, SonicSeeker said:

I have also had the Rachael and the Torii Jr and they were quite excellent, but I am thinking I would like to try something else this time.

 

I’ve been looking at the conrad johnson Classic 62 amp. It used the EL34 power tube and is available in several older version via the used market. That might be worth a try. More watts per channel from the same tube as the Rachael. 

 

Mark

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

clarity, tither bass,  no distortion, sound have " more musicality" of the sound, smoother sound,  bigger impact and more headroom,  to name a few that cpme to my mind, of course omho. ymmv

51 minutes ago, SonicSeeker said:

What does the MC275 bring that was so much better.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have used an AMC CVT2030 (30wpc push pull el34 with a mosfet input stage).  Sounded great but had reliability issues over the long term.  

Then I tried a Musical Paradise MP-301.  It is an SEP that can take a variety of tubes.  It sounded good and it was fun trying different tube types (I used el34, 6l6 and kt-88s).  However it was noisy at idle.  Too noisy for La Scalas IMO.  Would probably be fine with less efficient speakers.

Recently, I have biamped using a MiniDSP. Running SS on the bass bins and a VTA ST-70 on the top end.  I am using a 2” driver in a 2-way configuration, so it really isn’t a LaScala anymore.  This is by far the best setup I have ever had.

I think the biggest issue with using tubes and LaScalas has been getting a setup with low enough noise. Tube amps are inherently noisier than solid state at idle. A 104 dB speaker makes this obvious.  Totally worth it though, as once you hear that tube goodness, you just can’t live without it!

Next I really want to give a Transcendent Sound OTL a try.  I think that power will not be an issue since I am biamped.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest wdecho
On 3/23/2018 at 1:19 PM, richieb said:

A bit contrary to the OP 's topic but I just bought a Pass Labs Class A amp running with one of two SS preamps. And while my primaries are Jubes I thought to slide the LaScalas in position to check their performance. And I know with a new piece its easy to say how great things sound - never heard them sound this good - but in truth the LS show little lack of bass, more than Ive heard with numerous other amps. Absolutely a full soundstage from their placement in front of Jubes, about 20 feet on center. But, and here I go, the LS sound as balanced as I've heard them with other amps. And yes I've run them with DHT single ended 2a3 monos, single eneded KT88, etc. in my opinion to fill out a sometimes lean LS presentation takes not only power (this Class A is only 25 but starts to double down as speaker ohm falls) but also a very stout power supply in the amp. So it ain't only tubes that can get LS to present properly. 

Class A, whether tubes or SS. One can save money buying a class A tube vs what a class A SS cost without sacrificing anything significant. Very similar sounding when designed properly. Curious richieb, which Passlabs amplifier did you purchase. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

35 minutes ago, wdecho said:

Class A, whether tubes or SS. One can save money buying a class A tube vs what a class A SS cost without sacrificing anything significant. Very similar sounding when designed properly. Curious richieb, which Passlabs amplifier did you purchase. 

 

XA25

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest wdecho
11 hours ago, richieb said:

 

XA25

Been hearing a lot of positive info on your amplifier especially on the diyaudio forum. There is also a presentation by Nelson on youtube about the technology behind this new offering from Passlabs. There has been some efforts to duplicate the design called the F4 beast on the diyaudio forum. The problem on trying to duplicate the output transistors without having degeneration is the careful matching of the transistors when they cost like $25 apiece and one would need a quantity to get a good enough pair. Nelson buys parts in the thousands so it is not a big deal other than time evolved finding a good enough match for Passlabs. Those output transistors used are referred to as hockey pucks because of their size. 

 

Congratulations on your purchase. You are the first I have heard of buying the XA-25. All Passlabs amplifiers are overbuilt to race car standards and should last a lifetime. Passlabs also supports all their products past the warranty period no matter how old. I am envious. You must do a detailed review of your new purchase. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...