richieb Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 I think I have narrowed my upgrade to SS power and a JM Merlin pre. Now exactly what power I am not yet sure, but I have them narrowed. Nackamichi P-5 STASIS (Pass/Threshold design) or Forte Model 4a 50WPC pure Class A. I think either should be a great match with the Merlin. All will be driving Belles with Corns thrown in on occasion. I feel this will be great compromise system, quality designed SS for control and punch and a tube pre for, well for my Belles. Been listening to my newly acquired Mac 2505 and C-26, not impressed. Going on the block this weekend. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BS Button Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Excellent decision! IMHO, that's the way to go. Have you thought of the diminutive Monarchy amp? SM-70 pro, might be best. Aragon or Krell would be very good, as well. I always wanted to try a vintage or somewhat vintage Threshold. BS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busterfree Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Good choice - I like the ss amp and tube preamp combo as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steamer Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 is the Mac 2505 a tube amp? Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Greg: No. The 2505 was the first generation of solid state Mac amps, and the C-26 was the matching solid state preamp, circa 1967-77. Richieb: Good decision. Early ss mac gear has never really done it for me either. Even since I bought a Peach a couple of years ago, my only constant advice has been - throw a JuicyMusic tube pre in front of [insert your amp]. The Merlin + SS amp is a nice combo. Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 Sounds like an excellent decision. I love my Merlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steamer Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 I keep hearing about these Juicy Music preamps.I currently use the preamp section in my Levinson CDP with good results imo,one less set of IC's.I wonder what a good tubed pre could do for my system. I currently have Wavelength Gemini monos and Bryston SS amps in a biamp setup with a Rane active x-over sending signals to LSI bass bins and Altec 511/902's. I like to think one of the strengths of my system is the simplicity of the signal path and adding another component takes away from that. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 50 watts of class A and a merlin Preamp......Man, I would love to hear that combination on my Rf7's. One day.....one day.[] Congrats.......maybe once you get it set up and have had a chance to listen for a while you could post your thought's on that dreamy combination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbflash Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 Very Nice choice. Tube pre and SS amp is a very good combo. Enjoy Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 I keep hearing about these Juicy Music preamps.I currently use the preamp section in my Levinson CDP with good results imo,one less set of IC's.I wonder what a good tubed pre could do for my system. I currently have Wavelength Gemini monos and Bryston SS amps in a biamp setup with a Rane active x-over sending signals to LSI bass bins and Altec 511/902's. I like to think one of the strengths of my system is the simplicity of the signal path and adding another component takes away from that. Greg: I know that some advocate a less is more approach, but there are tangible sonic advantages to using a truly great tube pre that I just have not yet heard from similar quality solid state. I have some point of reference since I have heard some pretty nice ss preamps and own a nice Classe piece. A good tube pre like a juicymusic provides increased layering, wetness, expanded soundstage, and yes, even detail. Plus, many, including myself, believe that going to a tube pre has more of an overall effect on your sound (as opposed to going to a tube amp). This is also coming from a person who has run some pretty nice all solid state, various combinations of tube pre/ solid state amps, all tubes, and is currently using a tube pre and a combo for my mains (tube pre upper and ss lower). You probably love your current sound - so enjoy it. But, you are right to keep wondering....... Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 You might want to consider selling the C26 and keeping the 2505--when up to snuff it is a terrific amplifier and would mate beautifully to a new, modern tube preamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 That is a good thought. Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB Slammin Posted April 28, 2006 Share Posted April 28, 2006 Excellent decision! IMHO, that's the way to go. Have you thought of the diminutive Monarchy amp? SM-70 pro, might be best. Aragon or Krell would be very good, as well. I always wanted to try a vintage or somewhat vintage Threshold. BS Yep. Merlin and SS. Works for me.[] Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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