System Edited: My Herron Tube Rolling Adventure continues. Currently using NOS Amperex 7308's, USN-CEP tubes, vintage 1965. Really nice sound, balanced throughout the spectrum, with airy top end and natural, not boomy bass. The holographic imaging and pace are tops. The system has an ease and warmth without the unatural midrange presence I noted with the Philips/Mullard/Holland 6922's. Not cheap, but in my setup well worth it. These are keepers!

BTW Akozar, in my audition of the Ayre monos I did not have a chance to really crank up the volume, but they definitely sounded unrestrained and capable. I am pleased enough with my Classe's (especially with the sweet music I'm getting now with my new tubes) that I am not lusting after any other amp...for now

tympani January 06, 2007 15:19

How is the pin point imaging and depth difference between the two if you can remember. I have read both that the Ayre "sound" does and does not produce pin point imaging. What was your impression. Also, if by chance you turned up the 20.1s with the Ayre Monos, how was the headroom ?? Enough juice ??

Have you heard the Omicron (not ref), or Omega 450, or Omega Omicron with 20s ?? Much benefit over CAM-400 ?? I am guessing small amount.

I agree on $$. I buy all used, so MX-R would be way down the road.

Thanks

AL

akozar January 03, 2007 01:32

Akozar,
I heard 20.1's with the Ayre monoblocks recently (not my speakers). I found the sound very pleasing and 3-dimensional, with plenty of solid deep bass. It did not sound "solid-state" in a derogatory sense, nor "tubey" in a euphonic sense. I think they mate well with the Maggies and I'm sure I would be very happy with these beautiful amps, except that they sell for 2 1/2 times what I paid for my Classe monos used. At this level, the differences are usually subtle. The Classe's have a very neutral sound as well and a slightly less bright high-end, which in my setup complements the Maggie tweeters, especially with a tube front-end.

Jesse,
nice Sub review. I may just have to try 2 smaller V-dynes.

tympani December 28, 2006 17:52

I use a Velodyne HGS15, but only for movies. My setup is more for 2 channel, and 20.1s are much better alone. Have you ever compared the Classe to Ayre ? I am interested in moving up to one of these.

akozar December 27, 2006 04:09

I just wrote my opinion on a pair sunfire subs at http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=94010

I had Velodyne DD 18's with the 20.1's at one time. They were too big and moved too much air to be musical for my tastes. They destroyed the soundstage imaging. HT yes, audio no no. I will be reviewing a pair of DD 10's in the next week or two on AudioKarma with my B&W 800D's so keep an eye out for it. Personally I'd consider two DD 10's as my first choice. Same size amp as the 15 and even the 18 with much less mass and are resistance to deal with. But if one sub was the goal then I'd consider no larger than the 12 inch. It's been my experience that smaller powerful subs are more musical than subs with large mass cones to move. For instance the Rel Studio III priced and 9K has two 10 inch drivers.

jesse111 December 27, 2006 00:03

Very nice clean room and I am sure that it sounds great too. I had the Magneplaner III many years ago back in the early 80's.
In my second house I will be using the same as yours but this is still a few years away.
Again, very nice set-up.

rugyboogie December 16, 2006 14:33

Thanks for the kind comments. Yes Jesse, the REL sub is behind the left speaker. I only use it for movies. The Maggies sound better "pure". I've debated switching to a Velodyne DD-series (15 inch likely), Anyone using these full-time with Magnepans? I am having fun with my tube-rolling on the Herron. I just tried a sextet of NOS Amperex Mullard/Holland 6922 1967 tubes. Beautiful lush midrange, but a bit too much "presence" on some recordings. I will next be trying Amperex USA 7308 USN-CEP's, should be arriving this week. I'll post my thoughts in the Discussion Forums. This stuff is fun!

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1163544273&read&keyw&zzherron

tympani December 12, 2006 23:19

Got your email Dan, very "classe" room my friend. As with my Maggie 20.1's, I found Classe to do a magnificent job with them. Without the bass panel design in the 20.1 I would imagine the amps might do even better with the 20's. I've examined the pics closely and I don't see the REL sub? Am I missing it? Is that it sitting behind the left Mag? Most people put the ribbons to the outside. Like you I much prefered them inside to further sharpen the image. I also found that in the end I actually prefered toe-in but the Mags offer quite the musical option of either toe-in or out. Both have distinct advantages. Here's an item you may consider that I found worked splendidly.
http://www.myesound.com/Magnepan.html

The cabinet decor you chose does in fact look very clean. Nice job.

jesse111 December 11, 2006 12:06

Wow! EXTEMELY nice.

sburton December 09, 2006 00:20

NICE room NICE set up NICE system enjoy.
happy listening.
RoN

simplicitymusic December 08, 2006 18:25