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Arnoldhasmail

Arnoldhasmail

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Dec 5, 2017
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I've been all over the place with this...

I'm replacing the BAT 50 that's in my sig below. Trying to spend $4000 or less...hopefully less...

For years I was chasing detail...had the nuforce ref9v3se's, my BAT tubed for detail, cables as neutral as I could find. Then I bought the Macintosh MC402 amp...realized it made me listen to music ten times more often, and I was listening to the music, not my stereo.

One of my favorite early systems was a CJ SS amp, BAT 3i pre, Alon 1 open baffle speakers and a Meridian CD player. It wasn't accurate, or too detailed, but I loved it and listened to tons of music...I'm trying to get back to that place. The most detail, or biggest soundstage doesn't really matter to me anymore. It's not that I don't want it open or detailed, I do...just isn't the priority...the music is!

I've been looking at used BAT 52se, Audio Research LS27(or whatever I can find at that price), Mcintosh 2300, CJ et3se, D Sachs, Decware...my head is spinning.

I'd really like balanced, everything else I own is...I found someplace local that has the CJ non se, the new Audio Research and Mcintosh SS stuff...plan to hear what he has to hopefully narrow the field. I keep going back to the idea of trying a Macintosh 2300 (Is that crazy??!!), the mc402 changed my music experience in a very positive way...just not sure if too much Mcintosh sound layered on top of each other is a bad thing...can you go too far in that direction? Although, I see tons of people with all Mcintosh systems that seem very happy...

Any insight out there? Please...
 
Arnoldhasmail said:
I've been all over the place with this..

One of my favorite early systems ....... It wasn't accurate, or too detailed, but I loved it and listened to tons of music...I'm trying to get back to that place. The most detail, or biggest soundstage doesn't really matter to me anymore. It's not that I don't want it open or detailed, I do...just isn't the priority...the music is!
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simple ...............CJ or Cary, both will give you all the euphoric distortion (lovely music) you want.

me, I'm more than satisfied with my ARC LS27 and yes I listen to the music !
 
Thanks...I didn't mean it like that...I know we all like different things...and sometimes I go in completely different directions...this is just where I am now...

And Cary...wow...add another one to the list!
 
You can't go wrong with a C2300, especially with good tubes.

Maybe a C22 reissue. I like that one.
 
joeinid said:
You can't go wrong with a C2300, especially with good tubes.

Maybe a C22 reissue. I like that one.
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Me too, but they're out of my price range and rarely come up used...but I love it too.

I also wouldn't mind having a headphone amp...I used to be a headphone junky...wouldn't mind playing with that again. And I haven't had a turntable in years...another thing I'd like to play with!!! Too many toys...
 
And I really want it tubed...I love exploring tubes! I would re-tube anything I bought...
 
Arnoldhasmail said:
Thanks...I didn't mean it like that...I know we all like different things...and sometimes I go in completely different directions...this is just where I am now...
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no.....no....no I meant nothing buy that either as I'm in agreement with you. Waaaaaay to many listen to their 'stereo' and not their music !!
 
Even though it's not balanced, my LTA MZ2 is freaking outstanding and half your budget. Will partner perfectly with the MC402 and has a stellar headphone output. Just sayin'

Arnoldhasmail said:
Me too, but they're out of my price range and rarely come up used...but I love it too.

I also wouldn't mind having a headphone amp...I used to be a headphone junky...wouldn't mind playing with that again. And I haven't had a turntable in years...another thing I'd like to play with!!! Too many toys...
Click to expand...
 
Haaaaaaaaaaa!!! I know! It just kills me...

I have a feeling my cables would have it hanging in mid-air!!!

I believe its wonderful...It's still on the list...along with the Backert!
 
You may already know this, Cary sells direct now and is doing some current holiday sale pricing, they also allow an in home audition with return. Cary claims their solid state pre sounds like it has tubes.
 
If you like tube rolling then forget about the BAT VK-52se. It uses the 6H30 tube like my 51se and there are no other options. The EH and Sovtek 6H30's tubes sound the same and come from the same factory. The EH's have gold pins, that is the only difference. NOS 6H30's go for upwards of $300 each.

If you can increase you budget, consider a Vinni Rossi Lio linestage. An Atma-Sphere MP-3 is another great sounding preamp. I preferred it over the ARC LS 27, much richer midrange and more musical.
 
Got to bring a CJ et3 home to demo. Really enjoyed it. Wouldn’t mind a little more detail but I was impressed. It’s the direction I’d like to go. I also had a chance to hear the audio research 20 and 28...not the direction I’m looking for. I have the cj et3se and the Backert Rhumba extreme coming later in the week! Going to be a lot of late nights this weekend!
 
The ET-3se is supposed to be a nice step up from the non SE. Have you considered a Don Sachs? I almost had one built for me last year with Duelund caps. I still may go that route with a Khozmo stepped attenuator.
 
I’ll let you folks know what I think. I’m excited to hear the Backert too. And...yes. I seriously considered the Don Sachs...I just don’t think I can buy something without hearing it first. I thought I would love the audio research....many people do...it’s just not what I’m looking for. It took one evening of listening in my system to know that. I plan to have this for the next 4-6 years...I want to be sure.
 
I don't know whether you are planning on running SE or Balanced, but if the later you might want to take a look at the BHK preamp. Not as "tubey" as a CJ or Cary but tubed input stage does ad some warmth and you can run 12AU7 or 6DJ8/7DJ8 family tubes so many flavors available with just two tubes. I would also try to get a listen to the LTA if you are willing to run SE as according to owners and reviewer can give the Backert a run for it's money. Though I would love to hear both just can't justify another preamp right now.
 
I’d prefer to run balanced...but good sound is good sound...so I’ll go either way. I’m still trying to get a bhk for audition...have to make another call tomorrow. I find the LTA very interesting too...it’s a shocking piece for the money. I’ll let you know if I can get the bhk for this weekends shootout!

thanks
 
I had Cary slp-05. If you like very intimate presentation, this is the preamp to get. Lots of NOS 6SN7 tube options to choose from to tailor the sound. In used market, $4k sounds about right.
 
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