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Easy to use, great sound
It's been a while since we talked about our amplifiers (23 months in fact). So we'd like to know what you are using now and why you like it.
I use the Edge Electronics M-6 only because of its accurate reproduction. Edge amps defy anyone to tell what devicestubes or transistorsare being used or the class of circuit: A or AB. New innovative amplifiers designs by Edge and Gamut could bring many tube aficionados to solid-state if they are only willing to listen to them.
Actually both stereo and multi-channel. I use a McIntosh MC-352 for the front channels and am using a McIntosh MC-7205 for the rears and surrounds. I looked at tubes for the fronts but this Mc is so clean and with the autoformers I feel I can drive any speaker I will ever be able to afford. The tube amps are too much money and too much maintenence for my budget. Oh, one other reason for the McIntosh is the BLUE METERS, who needs a fireplace with these baby's glowing in the night.
I feel that the amplifier, any amplifier, if used within it's capability is the least weakest component in any system. OK, maybe the digital cable between the transport and a DAC really is. Still, I'll be darned if I don't still want those Legacy Mono Blocks.
My system is combined for music and video. I use a Yamaha integrated amp, which is being used as a processor. Coupled to it is ATI's 1505 five channel amp. I bi-amp the front mains and bi-wire the center. That allows me to experiment with different kinds of cabling. When I have need of surrounds, I use the Yamaha's internal amps.
Krell FPB-600c. I purchased this amp to replace VTL-300 tube monoblocks. The tubes sounded great but were too much maintenance to keep them operating at peak efficiency. The Krell amp reproduces a very live like soundstage - wide and deep. To my ears it sounds at least equal to the VTL's with less maintenance.
I built my first (Nelson Pass) Zen amp 12 months ago, the Bride of Zen preamp about 10 months ago. I have NEVER had so much fun listening to music! Last fall, I built a second Zen stereo chassis, and I now bi-amp my Paradigm Reference Studio/60s with a blazing 20 watts (10+10) per side. No kidding, maybe it's a little compressed dynamically, but Zounds, what a midrange! The real kicker, though, is that the bass in my system has never been so articulate and tuneful. Absolutely the antithesis of one-note bass. BTW, total cost for three pieces: ~$850, and way too much fun building it. Hard to describe how it felt the first time I turned it onand it worked!
Returning to two-channel audio after a five-year hiatus in home theater land. My solid-state monoblocks needed repairs. Was able to get a used tube amp for low cost. I am going to play with tubes for a while before I go back or sell my solid-state stuff.