LP70s v. Classic 60
I'm trying to decide between these 2. The prices are different, but not that different in the scheme of things (on the used market for the LP70s). I've read through what people are saying about the LP70s, and basically, they love it, but there is an issue of tube matching. Not much has been said about the Classic 60. Aside from the looks (matter of opinion), for driving Harbeth 30 (not that demanding), any thoughts on the difference? I have auditioned the Classic 60 at a store, and thought it sounded it quite nice, but maybe a bit thin in the midrange, but with nice crisp highs, very open. My preamp is the Classic SE, which I like a lot. Oh, I didn't like the Classic 60 SE that much -- It thought it sounded rolled off in the highs.
|
The LP70s is a better amp which includes better components (Teflon caps and Vishay resistors). Its more comparable to the Classic 60 SE in performance. It also looks better with a very nice case work.
Regarding the Classic 60 SE it should be all but roled off in the highs. It does need a lot of burn it to come to song (500 hours minimum). Because the Classic 60 SE uses teflons as coupling capacitors vs. the Classic SE preamp which uses teflons to bypass polyprop capacitors it takes a very long time to break in. If you get a used LP70s you will save yourself the long break in time. |
Quote:
I also listened to the ET250S, a different animal obviously. It blew away both Classics, but its tonal balance was more like the non-teflon Classic. Unfortunately, they did not have an LP70s to audition. I expect it is quite a bit better than the Classic 60 SE, given the price difference. It's possible the Classic SE I listened to was not broken in enough, but i did get the impression it had at least 200 hours. Maybe it had hit the well known Teflon break in back step. My Classic SE preamp nearly drove me insane during break in with the peaks and valleys, but now I love it. |
Ultimately you need to trust your ears just make sure any CJ amp with Teflon caps had enough break in time. Too many people have sold CJ gear that was not broken in enough. I think you need a minimum of 500 hours for the amp to stabilize and start to sound good. At 1000 hours it really comes to song.
|
Bgilberti,
The amps with the Telfon caps can sound pretty dark and compressed until they start to burn in as Ron has pointed out. I haven't heard the Classic or Clsssic SE amps yet, but I have an LP70S and it's a wonderful amp....very fast, transparent, clean and neutral. |
Quote:
|
I think both the LP70s and the Classic 60 SE will sound more powerful than your MF80. Tube amps generally sound more powerful than their SS counterpart of the same rating because of the graceful way in which they reach their full power ratings and the better dynamics that they usually offer. I wouldn't worry about power at all.
|
Just to add my two cents to this. I have had both (similar) amps.
I had a LP70S that believe it or not had a small issue that was fixed under warranty and without issue. During the two weeks it was back at CJ, I had borrowed from the dealer a MV 60 which is very similar to Classic if not really the Classic 60. What I noticed was the LP70s had more detail throughout the frequency range, more three dimensionality and I am sure that had to do with the upgraded components compared to the other amp. It seems to have a bit more punch. I believe both are great amps and you would be happy with either one but the LP70S has just a bit more of "it sounds right" Just my 2 cents Jeff |
Quote:
|
Quote:
The amplifier you may want is actually two... the LP140 mono blocks. More power, impact and with all the dimensionality all in one package(s). Good luck... Bob |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:05 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.