robert_kc |
11-19-2015 07:25 PM |
Pstrisik and jdandy: Thanks for your warm welcome!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pstrisik
(Post 741552)
I love the copper color.
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I agree. When I saw it I debated with myself whether or not I needed another amp … for about 2 minutes … then I hit the “Buy It Now” button …
Quote:
Originally Posted by pstrisik
(Post 741552)
I'm also curious what he will say about tube possibilities in a SET that runs pentode power tubes. Maybe the same options as the SEP's, ie, almost infinite! Or maybe the SET wiring makes for more limited options.
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I’m anxious to try different tubes, once I receive Dennis’ compatibility chart. Generally with PP amps I find that the front end tubes make the biggest difference, but apparently with this amp more than one type of output tube is supported, so the sound might change noticeably with a different type of output. While I imagine that Dennis has chosen the tubes for this amp carefully, all speakers are different, and so it will be interesting to experiment to find what works best in my systems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pstrisik
(Post 741552)
If you are running it with Klipsch speakers, you have some advantage in gain as they are typically 100db+ aren't they?
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Sensitivity ratings are:
- Klipsch RF-7: 101
- Klipsch Palladium P-37F: 96
- Snell Type CV: 90
- JBL L880: 91
None of my rooms are very large, and I don’t listen at very loud sound levels. Bottom line, none of these speakers are as sensitive as Klipschorn (105), but none are difficult to drive. (I also have a Klipsch WF-35 in my bedroom system, but that’s a mono system.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by pstrisik
(Post 741552)
But evidently you are still needing more for classical.
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Yes, with some classical recordings I need more volume. (Some recordings of string quartets are loud enough without a pre-amp. Most large scale orchestral music is not loud enough without a preamp.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by pstrisik
(Post 741552)
If you are running without a pre, do you have a passive attenuator? How are you controlling volume?
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My Oppo universal players (BDP-105, BDP-95, Oppo DV-980H) have variable output, controlled via their remote control. They are able to drive my other power amps (McIntosh MC240, McIntosh MC30 x 2, McIntosh MC275, Pilot SA-260, Scott LK150) satisfactorily without a preamp, except when tonal adjustment is needed (which for some amp/speaker combinations is always, for others: never, and for others it depends on the recording.)
The Inspire KT88 sounds great driven directly by my Oppo player (no preamp) when playing pop music. (I don’t know if Eva Cassidy CDs have ever sounded better than Oppo -> Inspire KT88 -> Klipsch RF-7.) On the other hand, for some classical music a pre-amp is needed for additional gain. And, candidly, large scale orchestral music often sounds better with more power (e.g., Oppo -> McIntosh MX110Z -> Scott LK150 (PP KT88s) -> Klipsch RF-7 vs. Oppo -> Inspire KT88 -> Klipsch RF-7).
I’m anxious to see if a different front-end tube in the Inspire KT-88 will provide a significant increase in gain. And if not, I’m still glad to own the Inspire KT-88.
Again, I’m interested in others’ findings regarding tube rolling. This winter I intend to work my way through my systems, tube rolling the Inspire KT-88, and comparing it with my McIntosh, Fisher, Scott, Pilot, and Altec PP tube amps (both power amps and integrated).
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