Tube amps for Alexia's

One of the strengths of these amps is in recreating live scenes with the proper placement of the musicians. As an example, I am listening to the remastered Eric Clapton Unplugged Deluxe downloaded from HDTracks here: Unplugged (Deluxe) | HDtracks - The World's Greatest-Sounding Music Downloads

I have seen the video dozens of times and know where everyone sits. Listening to it with the Momentums, the proper placement of those musicians is uncanny.

Another thing I noticed is the tonal richness of the acoustic guitars, especially the "E" and "A" strings of the guitar.

The soundstage is so wide and deep as well. These amps really are special and paired with the D'Agostino preamp, they have an unquestionable synergy.

If I had to summarize these amps after brief initial impressions, I would say they are extremely balanced from top to bottom with no emphasis in one area or another (i.e. bass, forced extended highs). They are the best amps I have ever heard for instrument and vocal separation. PRAT is excellent. They also have this uncanny ability to be soft and delicate when the song requires it (I believe Fremer called it a "feminine touch") and the ability to grip and rock when required, even changing and adapting appropriately during a song. Amazing.
 
Sorry Joe…..It wasn't that good! :notreally: :trouble:

No need to be sorry. But since this is supposed to be a tube thread, your thoughts on the CJ ART monos? I like the CJ combo above all else. What did you think?
 
Mike...congrats on the Momentum/Alexia combo! Very nice synergy and a combination for all seasons. A quick question on a comment you made earlier - you said if the Carver 180s had balanced inputs your search would be over. May I ask why? Does the D'Ag Momentum pre not have RCA9Single-ended) analog outputs? Also, if Balanced In for the Carver's are a must, have you considered calling Bob Carver and seeing if he could make you a custom pair with Balanced Ins? Thx
 
Yes. SE only on the Dag pre. I've talked to Walter (the distributor) and he said he would mention it to Bob. But that's it.
 
No need to be sorry. But since this is supposed to be a tube thread, your thoughts on the CJ ART monos? I like the CJ combo above all else. What did you think?

OH BOY! That is a a tough question. These days I lean towards tubes, but the D'Agostinos are very special. The Art monos also occupy a special place when it comes to any amplifiers….tube or solid state. I am going to have to cop out with my answer and say that it's a tie. Both display the qualities we all look for…the best combination of SS and tubes. We all know what those qualities are. I could only wish to have a pair of either.
 
Yes. SE only on the Dag pre. I've talked to Walter (the distributor) and he said he would mention it to Bob. But that's it.

Mike,

Did you mean XLR only on the Dag pre?

product-preamp-4.jpg
 
OH BOY! That is a a tough question. These days I lean towards tubes, but the D'Agostinos are very special. The Art monos also occupy a special place when it comes to any amplifiers….tube or solid state. I am going to have to cop out with my answer and say that it's a tie. Both display the qualities we all look for…the best combination of SS and tubes. We all know what those qualities are. I could only wish to have a pair of either.

I know, one Dagostino stereo and one ART stereo, Done!!!!
 
I am assuming he did...you can forgive him that slip. He has Alexias on his mind :D

I think Mike hit the big time now. His current system has to be outstanding! I know how good the speakers and Dag gear are separately, together I think they are world class! Congrats Mike. I know how hearing that combo for the first time struck an emotional chord. Time to enjoy.
 
I think Mike hit the big time now. His current system has to be outstanding! I know how good the speakers and Dag gear are separately, together I think they are world class! Congrats Mike. I know how hearing that combo for the first time struck an emotional chord. Time to enjoy.

Thanks Joe! Yes, it is magical.
 
as others have said given the impedance drop in the lower freq only a well made, large bandwidth tube amp would suffice given my guess. While there are many good choices out there, IMO, Rogue Audio represents one of the best buys in the Audio industry and yes I utilize a pair of M-180's to drive my Martin Logan Spire's. While it's impedance curve is inverse to the Wilson the capacitive nature of the load it represents can challenge many an amp(s) !
 
One of the strengths of these amps is in recreating live scenes with the proper placement of the musicians. As an example, I am listening to the remastered Eric Clapton Unplugged Deluxe downloaded from HDTracks here: Unplugged (Deluxe) | HDtracks - The World's Greatest-Sounding Music Downloads

I have seen the video dozens of times and know where everyone sits. Listening to it with the Momentums, the proper placement of those musicians is uncanny.

Another thing I noticed is the tonal richness of the acoustic guitars, especially the "E" and "A" strings of the guitar.

The soundstage is so wide and deep as well. These amps really are special and paired with the D'Agostino preamp, they have an unquestionable synergy... Amazing.

Mike - first of all, congrats...I know the individual components and think I understand how great your system must be sounding right about now. Second, is this Clapton Remaster truly a remaster? I love this album which in its original form is already great...but the HD Link you attached shows that only a 16/44 is available...but that it is has only been available since 2013. So I am not sure and thought I should ask you. If there is a remaster of this already great sounding album on 16/44, I am interested.
 
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