Angsty
Well-Known Member
Get it!!
Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice
- Thread starter Joe Mac
- Start date
Mather
Unknown Member
It was between a Woodpecker and the VPI Signature Classic when I was looking. Beautiful table.
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spydrwebb44
Member
Since I don't know shitake when it comes to tubes, consulting the experts. .
If I were to entertain a Cary Audio CAD 120S MKII (and it's looking more each day like I will), will the Rogue RP-7 be a match made in Heaven or Hell?
I know tubes open one up to more potential mistakes in terms of a lot of sonic factors, for lack of a better explanation. Really need to confirm and eliminate most/all likelihood of an investment gone wrong.
And I really love my HPA4 preamplifier to boot, so this is a very hard sell (for me). I've never met a more truly neutral, dark, DEAD QUIET component before the Benchmark. But I've also been basing most of my "solid state" bias on the high(er) maintenance aspect of antiquated technology... and well, admittedly, tubes have come a long way.
Truly don't know a thing about what makes one tube better than another. My only absolute criteria is Made in USA. That has been and will remain my preoccupation for personal reasons.
If I were to entertain a Cary Audio CAD 120S MKII (and it's looking more each day like I will), will the Rogue RP-7 be a match made in Heaven or Hell?
I know tubes open one up to more potential mistakes in terms of a lot of sonic factors, for lack of a better explanation. Really need to confirm and eliminate most/all likelihood of an investment gone wrong.
And I really love my HPA4 preamplifier to boot, so this is a very hard sell (for me). I've never met a more truly neutral, dark, DEAD QUIET component before the Benchmark. But I've also been basing most of my "solid state" bias on the high(er) maintenance aspect of antiquated technology... and well, admittedly, tubes have come a long way.
Truly don't know a thing about what makes one tube better than another. My only absolute criteria is Made in USA. That has been and will remain my preoccupation for personal reasons.
Jbraswell
Well-Known Member
I'm no expert but I think it's a good match especially running the XLR ICs. What speaker are you planning?
The low frequency might be a little light with the power. I added my Denon SS amp to run with the Rogue amp. I absolutely love the sound and the crossover handles everything very well.
spydrwebb44
Member
Currently have Ascend Sierra towers but have chased a few Cornwall IV opportunities locally.
Have SS Benchmark AHB2 monoblocks at present, but feel adding tubes to the chain will offer a little more body and less hyper focus on analytics
Edit: I recognize the wattage I have on hand now is also overkill, especially for high sensitivity speakers .
kvetcha
Chet Hanks' Filmography Buff
I reaaaaaaally wanted some Cornwall IVs but I decided they would look absurd in my small basement.
Jbraswell
Well-Known Member
People really are disappointed with CWs bass but they also don't bi amp either.
So I don't think they are getting the speaker full potential.
I think you could vertical bi amp the LF w/ those CWs and mono blocks and then let the tubes run the horns. I bet that would be a nice sound.
spydrwebb44
Member
Probably will in my small(ish) space, too, but I don't care enough.
spydrwebb44
Member
Don't know how to do that, but open to learning.
spydrwebb44
Member
Realistically, it may be a bit on the CWs. They're not exactly cheap.
And I'm really just keeping my radar out for a fair deal locally. Zero desire to ship those beasts.
And I'm really just keeping my radar out for a fair deal locally. Zero desire to ship those beasts.
SnowmaNick
Well-Known Member
I’m trying. Someone is in front of me for buying it. So I’m the backup plan. It’s a killer price.
SnowmaNick
Well-Known Member
I’ve debated the Woodpecker as well, but I kind of want to try two arms. Have a Soundsmith rebuilt Zu/Denon DL-103 on one arm and either my current Grado (at least to start) or an Audio-Techina AT-Art 20 on the other.
Jbraswell
Well-Known Member
If my logic is correct, you should have enough outputs with the RP-7 to pull it off.
Would have to mix balanced and unbalanced outs.
Run the two XLR outs to the mono and run the RCA out to the Cary.
spydrwebb44
Member
Problem is, I don't yet own either of the tube amps and it will likely take selling at least one of the monoblocks to do so.
But thank you for explaining the process.
spydrwebb44
Member
The other important question is whether or not the CA stereo tube amp would drive the (eventual) CWs by itself, should it come to that... and whether doing so with the HPA4 is viable versus needing a tube pre (such as the proposed RP-7).
Jbraswell
Well-Known Member
The Cary in ultralinear mode looks like enough power for either speaker you decide on.
Triode is the best sound according to the way they design tube amps, but I honestly can't tell much difference between the two modes.
You can flip back and forth in triode and ultralinear on my amp while music is playing.
Proof is in the listening and if your space is small, you may be good with the lower power triode setting.
Tube amps just struggle with low frequencies. That's the biggest negative I found against the many other positives in SQ.
Your preamp is a headphone type. I'm not sure how that works but if it worked with the monos, it should be the same function with another power amp. A good preamp is the heart of the system. Well worth any money you spend here.
Are you going for new or shopping used on the gear?
kvetcha
Chet Hanks' Filmography Buff
Hasn't been my experience with the Forte IVs, but I suppose it's possible I'm just used to the sound profile.
spydrwebb44
Member
Used -TMR, USAM, and Audiogon have a few options.
spydrwebb44
Member
Hoping the same would hold true should I secure some CWs because I'd prefer to not require the powered sub. Definitely makes for a busy front wall, even with some things hidden already.