LP70s v. Classic 60

[Formerly YB-2]

Sorry, mine was configured as a triode 60SE when I purchased. I'm sorry I let it go and will likely get another CJ amp (or Elekit TU-8340) in the not too distant future (whichever I can find when the time arrives). Thought I was 'done with tubes', but just can't find the same 'musical magic' with solid-state.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Thought I was 'done with tubes', but just can't find the same 'musical magic' with solid-state.

Yeah, I hear ya on that one, Glenn. I had the legendary Pr350, and while it was excellent, it didn't have the magic that the LP70S has.

[Calculon]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Sorry, mine was configured as a triode 60SE when I purchased. I'm sorry I let it go and will likely get another CJ amp (or Elekit TU-8340) in the not too distant future (whichever I can find when the time arrives). Thought I was 'done with tubes', but just can't find the same 'musical magic' with solid-state.

Thanks for the reply. I was looking to add my "forever" power amp before I retire and the money drys up. Looks like the triode 60SE would be a good option.

[Masterlu]

Calculon... Welcome to AA!

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Calculon

Thanks for the reply. I was looking to add my "forever" power amp before I retire and the money drys up. Looks like the triode 60SE would be a good option.

Yes, I would consider it so........... My only complaint about the 60SE is the output transformers do not have a can on top as did the previous models and the subsequent 62SE (think that may be the only change) so is not as "attractive" without the tube cage. I prefer to have my tubes exposed, so I'll likely go with the 62SE rather than the 60SE (I'm so vain ).

[Calculon]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Calculon... Welcome to AA!

Thanks Masterlu! I attempted to accept your friend request. Don't know if I was successful...

[Calculon]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Thought I was 'done with tubes', but just can't find the same 'musical magic' with solid-state.

A couple of years ago I did try out a 250 w/channel hybrid power amp that had rave reviews. The salesman claimed it would definitely beat the Classic 60, which is what salesmen do. It turned out the hybrid was a solid power amp with good tone, control, and heft, but it couldn't match the harmonics, textural density, decay, and other nuances that the Classic 60 delivered. And this was with stock tubes. So after weeks of break-in the hybrid went back.

With NOS or vintage tubes (4 EL34 Mullards, 2 Sylvania 6DJ8, 1 RFT 12AU7) the Classic 60 is even better - by a long shot, imho. My system does sound pretty fantastic as is and maybe I should just get off the upgrade merry-go-round. Having said that I may still try out something like an LP70s or an LP125sa in which case I'll post my impressions.

[Formerly YB-2]

If you don't mind the time it takes, CJ will upgrade your 60 to a 60SE, which is a significant step up. If wired UL (standard) you can also have them change it to triode, which many folks think sounds a bit better in the mids. The only caveat is that it takes several-100hr to break-in the new caps. Starts sounding good at ~100hr, but keeps getting better with time. Of my tube amps it is the one I should have kept (typical hindsight). What speakers are you using?

[Calculon]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

If you don't mind the time it takes, CJ will upgrade your 60 to a 60SE, which is a significant step up. If wired UL (standard) you can also have them change it to triode, which many folks think sounds a bit better in the mids. The only caveat is that it takes several-100hr to break-in the new caps. Starts sounding good at ~100hr, but keeps getting better with time. Of my tube amps it is the one I should have kept (typical hindsight). What speakers are you using?

I'm presently using an upgraded version of the Tekton Double Impact. They replaced a pair of modded ("Gunned") 1.6 Magnepan which I still have. I have not hooked up the maggies since I switched to the vintage/nos tubes in the classic-60. I need to do that because the amp is much more robust and transparent sounding which may make the maggies really shine.

If I don't go with something like an LP125sa I do plan to upgrade the classic 60 caps to teflon. Thanks for the suggestion.

Carl

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Calculon

I'm presently using an upgraded version of the Tekton Double Impact. They replaced a pair of modded ("Gunned") 1.6 Magnepan which I still have. I have not hooked up the maggies since I switched to the vintage/nos tubes in the classic-60. I need to do that because the amp is much more robust and transparent sounding which may make the maggies really shine.

If I don't go with something like an LP125sa I do plan to upgrade the classic 60 caps to teflon. Thanks for the suggestion.

Carl

Sounds like a good plan. Just be mindful that the time it can take to burn in Teflon caps can be...considerable. Its likely less time for power amps, but my C-J CT-5 took over 1500 hours to burn in the Teflon caps; over 2 years of listening.