ajxd Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I've been thinking about adding some tube monoblocks to my system. I've been eyeing Antique Sound Lab's Wave AV-25DTs, http://www.divertech.com/aslwaveav20dt.htm . They've received killer reviews, are an awesome price, and you don't find a lot for resale. But I'm always into other options. Here's what I'd like... 1) Spend less than $1,500 on a set. 2) No volume knob. 3) At least 15watts. Slinch, bearchuck, Kannibal, anyone else with some knowledge, you dudes got any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I'm not gonna be much help, because apart from big names like Audio Research, McIntosh, Copland etc. all of the killer tube equipment I've had the opportunity to hear is basically just small local (EU) businesses, and their products are either unavailable or outrageously expensive in the states. I've never heard of the ones you mentioned, but some of my favorites that should have great international support are Unison Research, Jolida, Opera/Consonance, and Melody. All of these should have models (second hand) in your price range, though not necessarily monoblocks. What speakers do you have? Because almost everything will work great with a tube preamp and a SS power amp, whereas getting the best out of a tube power amp (especially with single-ended designs) calls for some serious speaker matching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 I currently run Boston Acoustics VR-3s, but I am in the market to upgrade. Been looking at Triad Silvers. And yeh, tube pre + SS power is way easier, but the aesthics I have going right now with my setup... would be ruined... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 And I forgot about Melody! I used to drool of the SP3 model... now its SP7. Maybe I'll just got for my dreams! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Those Triad Silver Monitors look gorgeous. I've had the pleasure to listen to a system with Melody M880 monos, and they're simply amazing. They retail at around $3000, but if you're lucky enough to find them for sale, they might be in your budget. They rarely pop up though, at least over here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 My best friend has the Triad Silvers and he's looking to get rid of em at a very good price for me. Custom stands too! I can't even find an online store that sells a lot of these small company tube amps. None for Melody. If you know of some (International is fine, some might have a US distributor), send em my way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 No idea, they're really hard to find. Melody Valve Hifi (official site) is down, and as far as I know the M880 is out of production. You can check their current lineup on the official US distributor site, but they don't list prices: http://angelcityaudio.com/products/melody-valve-hifi/ Though I think the cheapest mono pair is around $5k. I always saw these as the products you hunt for. When (if) they pop up on the used market, and if you happen to have cash to spare, you grab a pair and never look back. I've been waiting for a particular turntable this way for over a year now, it popped up a few times, but there was always something (bad condition, bad price, bad timing...). So I'm still waiting patiently Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I have no experience with tube power amps or mono blocks. I considered getting a second GFA-555 (which i am running now) and going mono but I think it would be overkill. Not saying I wouldn't love to investigate and try tubes or mono blocks, but after spending a lot on my system last year, I think I'm set for a while. I think my system is already well beyond my enviorment, anyway, and until I buy a house and can upgrade my listening space, I don't think I will get much improvement for upward changes. At this point my wants are: a better RCM, Better turntable and cartrige set-up and maintenence tools, and then some room treatments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I just had a second thought. Space for the equipment. For me, I would have to get more shelves/stands for any additional equipment I buy. Just a thought on some addition cost you may have overlooked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 What's your current setup? I just bought a house, bought this stand All my equipment fits in it, except the turntable is on top. All alone. It's 50" across... and my TT is about 10" across... plenty of room for some tube monoblocks up top! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 LOL. no way your TT is 10". My setup: VPI Classic1 Dynavector XX-2 Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Audible Illusions Modulus L-1 pre Adcom GFA-555 Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands Again, two 555s, while impressive, would be WAY too much at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Wow, great setup! I was always a big fan of Vienna Acoustics speakers, just incredible workmanship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 Hahaha you're right, it's not 10". I reply 99% of the time On My iPhone. The 1 and 2 are very close together. It's about 20". My bad. And also, awesome setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks guys. Im happy and fortunate to have gotten some great prices, both new and used, on this stuff. Just 3 years ago i had a Technics SL-Q3 with stock cart, Technics AVR, and Huge ugly, JBL floorstanding speakers. Sometimes I seem stuck up with my comments, but I think It's because the setup I had would cost someone less than a ATLP60 and sound a heck of a lot better, so I just have a hard time with anyone spending their money on junk like that. Getting back to mono blocks, what would be the purpose besides getting more power? Form/coolness factor is definitely an OK answer here, BTW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Form/coolness, start of a tube setup, got some money to spend and I'm torn on what to buy. Its not a necessity for the system by any means, but its something I've been thinking about lately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Tube mono blocks might be tied with a great looking TT for "coolest" looking part of a setup. Your turntable/cart are pretty "entry level" as far as audiophile type goes (I don't think entry-level is a bad word), any interest in an upgrade there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Oh the table is the weakest link. I consider my whole system to be entry level audiophile. I believe that if you're going to upgrade, you should pay double of what you're upgrading. My table and cart were about $700. So I'd need to drop at least $1400. But the table is also the newest piece. So I will eventually upgrade the table, by it'll be down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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