A lot of changes recently to my system. I sold my KAB modded Technics table and replaced it with the VPI w/Audioquest PT-8 arm. I also changed my speakers, my wife was fed up with the floorstanders and protecting them from her dog, so stand mounts were the compromise. My problem was how to replace the bottom end that the Alon's deliver in spades. Welcome Totem Mani 2's. Although they were more money than i intended to spend ($1700- w/Totem R-4 stands) it was money well spent. My initial impressions of the Mani's better than I expected. Although I have heard them several times at shows and dealers, I have never had them at my home with my system. A Bryston power amp with these speakers is not a bad thing, in fact I could feel bass guitar in Heartbreaker by Zep in the pit of my stomach. More time with these speakers will give me a better perspective of how good they are. So far I am very happy.
Now I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the VPI TT, arm, etc. and then I will have to plow through (insert smiling face anywhere here) all my favorite records, and then some
Looks like you have a fun place to play some kickin butt tunes, I couldn't help noticing the Led Zep and have to assume you like to crank things up a bit . I have to agree with Mingles that a good stout tube amp will absolutely take you to more miles of smiles. Assuming you need to keep some kind of reasonable budget in mind I will recommend 2 brands in particular, of the literally dozens out there that could fit your needs. Both are excellent values for the $$$ ( especially here on the A'gon), both are well made, reliable, and user friendly, and most importantly, both will not only kick some serious butt, they will also deliver the unmistakable roundness, tone and texture only tubes can do. My first suggestion is one I have personally lived with [up until recently] for many happy years: the VTL MB-125 mono blocs. Outstanding amps. They use 4 x EL-34 power tubes per channel and will deliver either 125 watts tetrode or 60 per channel triode. The other choice would be the Rogue 120 mono blocs. These are similar in many ways to the VTL's although they can be found also using both EL-34's or with KT-88 output tubes instead... both tubes have somewhat different personalities. You should google as much as you can read about each particular amp and also know that each brand also offers lower power stereo amps (VTL = ST-85 and Rogue = their Stereo 90). Less power = less $$$ if you need to start there and maybe work your way up the line (both companies also offer bigger monos and stereo amps too). The Rogues are easy to find on the A'gon, both in regular and upgraded Magnum versions but the VTL's (the 125's at least)are much much rarer...I'm sure many others will advise lots of other amps as well...but something tells me you would like either of these 2 and find them very fitting.Obviously you should try to find someplace to audition them, they are well worth the effort.As for prices... original list on my VTL's was about $3250- 3500 and when you can find them will sell for about half of that, +/- depending condition. The Rogues are in that league too, more or less, although the older ones can be a few hundred less and the Magnum 120's (or Magnum 150's) can add up an additional several hundred or so...)Be patient, be an educated shopper, but be ready when a good chance presents itself. Good luck and happy Lissn'n.
