La Scala amplification suggestions needed!

[BarrettFan]

Hello all!

I recently got my hands on a pair of La Scalas and a SW-15
subwoofer, and am wondering what would be the best amp and pre-amp for
them. I want to get the best sound that I can get without going
overboard.

They were hooked up to a Carver amp and pre-amp, but I don't
know what models they were or anything like that. A couple of Carvers I
am looking at are the:

TFM-55x (380 watts x 2 @ 8 ohms), or the

A500x (250 watts x 2 @ 8 ohms), or maybe the

M500t (250 watts x 2 @ 8 ohms)

Are these amps to powerful, or should I
be looking for a McIntosh or another brand? Should I go with a tube or
a s.s. amp? Should I get an integrated amp/pre-amp? Is there going to
be much of a difference?

I listen to classic rock Pink Floyd, early
Genesis, Doors, stuff like that.

The crossovers in the La Scalas are
the AL-3s if it makes a difference.

Also I was wondering if it would be
better to run to the sub with high level then out to the speakers, does
this cross them over better? or run from the pre-amp to the amp and the
sub separately with low level cables, is this the cleanest? or run from
the pre-amp to the sub and back out to the amp with low level cables, I
don't know what this would help but it shows this option in the
manual??

I am sorry if this post is too long, or If it starts a little
brand fan war, although that's always fun [] I have searched the
forum, and haven't had much luck, I've looked at a lot of the members
equipment lists, but most people have so much stuff, it's hard to tell
what's hooked up to what.

I figure you guys would know best, and any advice is appreciated.

THX for
reading my post!

[3dzapper]

Welcome aboard Barrettfan.

First the easy answer. Use the low level input to the SW-15 (nice sub BTW). I brought in mine at 60 Hz when I had it hooked up with my Belles.

Amps! There are too many choices.( What is your budget?

Rick

[Duke Spinner]

my personal Opinion ...

is that Carver, is not the best match for your speak's

[Audio Flynn]

my personal Opinion ...

is that Carver, is not the best match for your speak's

I would agree.

Althought I am on to tubes it is strange that few people use B&K (made in the usa) or Musical findelty SS amps on this forum; I have heard them sound real nice. If price was no object the nicest looking Integratds come from BAT.

It all depends on time and budget and very important WILL YOU PLAY VINYL?

I think everyone of time and financial means that enjoys audio needs to experience a vintage tube integrated in their system. It is a natural experiment. You do not seem like a youngster.

If you grew up listening a cool tube console from the late 50s or 60s that a neighbor or relative had, a tube integrated generates a realism that I just do not hear from garden variety SS. VIntage tube integrateds are generrally better designed and built units than console tube amps.

I have not heard really expensive mid power SS ;like Creek or Naim. I have one NAD integrated in my daughters room right now that I like if it is warmed up for 45 minutes and not pushing more than 9:30 on the gain control. Bass weight just falls off way too much. Mids are sterile but pleasant.

If you really like your Carver you could put money in to sending one of them to a tech to check out and maybe some of the caps replaced may improve things for you.

Lots of options...

[Duke Spinner]

that Carver's ... gonna sound like Bob designed it .to..

nothing wrong with the sound, just needs ta get lit up ...

not a Klipsch amp

[oldbuckster]

Do what you want for POWER............................Try a set of BEC Crossovers for those La Scala's...........then worry about power, you'll like the crossover's BIG TIME....................just a thought........have heard BEC crossover's in a pair of La Scala's............SWEET..............

[BarrettFan]

Hey, thanks for the replies!

I'm not partial to Carver at all,
that's just what they were hooked up too. If another amp would be
better, I will go with it. That's why I came here for advice.

I
will be playing cds mostly. I have quite a few albums, but they are not
perfect by any means, and I have replaced most of them with discs. I
will play one now and then though.

I don't really want to take the amp to get it upgraded, I'd rather get a good one that I can plug in and go.

I am interested in the BEC crossovers though. Where can I find them and is there a certain model # to get?

As far as budget goes, I guess I can go up to around $2000. Maybe a little more if I have too. Less would be better though[]

My
main concern is to get a reliable setup that I can leave on for
hours at a time without overheating or anything going wrong.

I looked at the B&K:

Reference 125.2 - 125w x 2 @ 8 ohms and the

Reference 200.2 - 225w x 2 @ 8 ohms

It looks
like I gan get the 125.2 and a b&k preamp new for around $1300. Is
this enough power? Would this sound better than a Carver?

The 200.2 would add around $700. Is it worth it, or would this be too much power and cause damage?

The Musical Fidelity looked a little out of my price range, unless I can find a deal somewhere.

I've heard some good McIntosh amps, but they are pricey as well.

So
the hunt continues. I just don't want to spend a bunch of money and not
be happy, and I know you guys have a lot more experience than I do.

THX for the replies, and keep 'em comming!

[JohnA]

You NEED 20 watts for La Scalas and your type of music.

I
think you'd like the 125 watt B&K. Also look at Parasound
HCA-850As and -1000As . Most any McIntosh amp will sound good
with them. Vintage Yamaha integrated amps will sound nice
(CA-x00 series, and maybe the CA-x10 series). Look for an amp
that operates in Class A for several watts. The HCA-1000A runs in
Class A up to 1.25 watts. That will be pretty loud.

[Spongeworthy]

I have La Scalas as well and one amp that I really liked was Monarchy Audio SE-100 monoblocks. They are an awesome value and you can pick them up on the used market for reasonble prices.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1170367742

I would take the balance and invest in a nice tube preamp. A have never heard any, but Juicy Music products (Merlin, Peach, Blueberry) are very popular on this site and are well-matched with Klipsch speakers. I also had a Tube Audio Design TAD-150 that sounded great with the Monarchys and la Scalas.

Pick up that combo, throw on a Sauce Full of Secrets, and your good to go!

[Spongeworthy]

I also agree with John on the power requirements and Parasound products.

[genjamon]

You have email, BarretFan.

~Ben

[BarrettFan]

Thank's to everyone who gave advice. I took everything into consideration.

I finally decided to go with a McIntosh MC2125 amp, and a C33 preamp.

It sounds AWESOME!!!! Everything in the house shakes, and the music is as clear as a bell!

It blows away my Yamaha multi-channel system with homebuilt speakers, which I thought sounded pretty good.

I am still considering new crossovers, and maybe a new hi-def tuner. And I need to vibration proof everything!

But anyway, Thanks again for all the advice!

[lwhaples]

Congrats on your new system! Sounds like you are enjoying it.[Y]

Larry

[Erik Mandaville]

"You NEED 20 watts for La Scalas and your type of music. "

I've listened to early Genesis using La Scalas effectively driven by less than one watt.

My intention isn't to be contrary, but practical in terms of an average size room at moderate listening levels. .5 watt can go a long way with such high efficiency, IMO. However, 'practical' and 'effective' are both subjective terms. There are probably as many on this forum who are as happy with less power as there are those who prefer more.

I agree about Bob's crossover upgrades. Excellent cost/performance.

Erik

[NOSValves]

There are probably as many on this forum who are as happy with less power as there are those who prefer more.

Erik,

I think your sadly mistaken on that statement. I would guess maybe a couple dozen folks run amps under 3 watts on this forum. They just happen to be a very vocal few dozen. I bet thousands run more then 3 watts. I bet only another couple dozen run under 10 watts.

Craig

[mikesp1]

For what reason a carver amp is not a good choice.

Tell me? I am curieus!

Also i like to say that even a sensible loudspeaker as the la scala benefits from heavy amps.

[Audio Flynn]

For what reason a carver amp is not a good choice.

Tell me? I am curieus!

Also i like to say that even a sensible loudspeaker as the la scala benefits from heavy amps.

Interesting

descriptive word. Since you are from Belgum, English is likely to be

your second language. I work for a compnay based in your country.

Carver

I have not heard in a long time. The one Carver system I heard 15 years

ago was a bit muddy but it was a system with BOSE 901 that I never much

cared for as well.

[classichits]

My La Scalas were purchased in late 78. The amp and pre that my brother used when he had them

was a Mitsubishi da-a15 power amp and a da-p10 pre amp bought at the same time. I bought his set

up about 5 years ago. I think they sound absolutly fanaminal. I have done many dances with this set as a dj.

This is my own personal opinion.

[colterphoto1]

I cross over my LS at 90 Hz with my THX subs.