Which SS amp, for this C-J noob?

[jfray]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I really try to never buy gear from someone I don't know without pics.

This is why I really am only comfortable buying thru other AA members because of situations like this. I have to say every transaction has be flawless!!

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by jfray

This is why I really am only comfortable buying thru other AA members because of situations like this. I have to say every transaction has be flawless!!

[ronenash]

Originally Posted by Coppy

The LP275 should sound a bit better as the output transformers have an even wider bandwidth. I somewhat jokingly asked Lew to put a couple of those better transformers in my LP140s and he was not amused; they are also larger.
Guess he rightfully thought I should just buy the 275s.

Ron, what circuit change could they have made to solve the 6922 balance issue?

Bob

It envolves putting some ferrites on the input tube. CJ can provide the bulletin.

[CDLehner]

So...crazy or not, I've been letting my system run 24/7 for about 3 days now. When I first hooked up the 2500a, everything sounded so cold and closed-off; I just wanted to really let things "warm-up" or run-in, before I did anymore listening. WoW!

I decided to drop in and sit for about an hour tonight, and it was nice. I don't know if it's the C-J quality, or just to increase in power...but it makes a difference in the sound of my system. I could place instruments in the soundstage better, the 2500a pushes the bass of my Special 25s effortlessly; it's deep, but "relaxed"...it doesn't feel pushed, it just feels deep and solid. Decay seems longer; the notes hang more in the air. And man can it ROCK the house.

I listened to a LOT of tracks, from this title and that. Some audiophile fodder, some left-of-center goodies...some flat-out, old-school rockers! Don't Let Go, from Foreigner IV DVD-A, Santa Monica from Everclear; Hunger Strike from Temple Of The Dog...even You Shook Me All Night Long from AC/DC (lol...I know...guilty pleasures). My god can this amp flat-out bring it!

I honestly think I've been under-driving my 25s all this time! One of the reported short-comings of some Dyn models, is they need a little goosing to really come alive. My little Belles 150a Hot-Rod is a very sweet amp; but it's rated 125/225. Man, I think you need to light about 300 watts under these puppies, to really make them sing. (I read Stereophile reviewed the 2500a and measured constant output at 295/451...and then for musical transients (reserve power), measured with something called IHF tone-bursts...315/600...and 976 into a 2ohm load!).

So...if I'm going to keep it, now I need to clean 'er up. Ed said a top-plate (which is actually top and non-heatsink side, in one piece) is only about $50, plus the s&h. That'll help make great strides. I hope I can count on the group for advice on some of the other "cosmetic" issues?

Think it's worth it, to have Ed give 'er the once over? He said between 1-1.5 hours on the bench, at $96 per. So ~$200, with s&h, for the peace of mind that everything is up to snuff.

[joeinid]

I personally would feel better having CJ look at it, replace the cover, clean it up and make sure it's 100%. They will know if it needs anything. Then I would keep it for sure.

[bgiliberti]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

So...crazy or not, I've been letting my system run 24/7 for about 3 days now. When I first hooked up the 2500a, everything sounded so cold and closed-off; I just wanted to really let things "warm-up" or run-in, before I did anymore listening. WoW!

I decided to drop in and sit for about an hour tonight, and it was nice. I don't know if it's the C-J quality, or just to increase in power...but it makes a difference in the sound of my system. I could place instruments in the soundstage better, the 2500a pushes the bass of my Special 25s effortlessly; it's deep, but "relaxed"...it doesn't feel pushed, it just feels deep and solid. Decay seems longer; the notes hang more in the air. And man can it ROCK the house.

I listened to a LOT of tracks, from this title and that. Some audiophile fodder, some left-of-center goodies...some flat-out, old-school rockers! Don't Let Go, from Foreigner IV DVD-A, Santa Monica from Everclear; Hunger Strike from Temple Of The Dog...even You Shook Me All Night Long from AC/DC (lol...I know...guilty pleasures). My god can this amp flat-out bring it!

I honestly think I've been under-driving my 25s all this time! One of the reported short-comings of some Dyn models, is they need a little goosing to really come alive. My little Belles 150a Hot-Rod is a very sweet amp; but it's rated 125/225. Man, I think you need to light about 300 watts under these puppies, to really make them sing. (I read Stereophile reviewed the 2500a and measured constant output at 295/451...and then for musical transients (reserve power), measured with something called IHF tone-bursts...315/600...and 976 into a 2ohm load!).

So...if I'm going to keep it, now I need to clean 'er up. Ed said a top-plate (which is actually top and non-heatsink side, in one piece) is only about $50, plus the s&h. That'll help make great strides. I hope I can count on the group for advice on some of the other "cosmetic" issues?

Think it's worth it, to have Ed give 'er the once over? He said between 1-1.5 hours on the bench, at $96 per. So ~$200, with s&h, for the peace of mind that everything is up to snuff.

I leave my MF80 on all the time. It makes a huge difference. I've had work done by CJ, and they are great and never over-charge. So yes, do it.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Think it's worth it, to have Ed give 'er the once over? He said between 1-1.5 hours on the bench, at $96 per. So ~$200, with s&h, for the peace of mind that everything is up to snuff.

I'll add my "yes!" to the chorus, CD. Well worth it, given the inherent quality of the amp and its likely longevity.

Glad, and not surprised, that it came out of its cocoon after a healthy warmup.

I don't think it's just the rated (or bench-tested) power that's lighting up your listening, but the sustained current delivery capability of the amp, given my experience with a plain-vanilla 2500 (I'm considering sending it back for the "A" upgrade after the first of the year) that was superb at driving Maggie 1.6QR's in a moderately large room for a number of years. It's an attribute of the amp's robust power supply and something not necessarily accounted for in watts ratings alone.

Enjoy.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

So...crazy or not, I've been letting my system run 24/7 for about 3 days now. When I first hooked up the 2500a, everything sounded so cold and closed-off; I just wanted to really let things "warm-up" or run-in, before I did anymore listening. WoW!

I decided to drop in and sit for about an hour tonight, and it was nice. I don't know if it's the C-J quality, or just to increase in power...but it makes a difference in the sound of my system. I could place instruments in the soundstage better, the 2500a pushes the bass of my Special 25s effortlessly; it's deep, but "relaxed"...it doesn't feel pushed, it just feels deep and solid. Decay seems longer; the notes hang more in the air. And man can it ROCK the house.

I listened to a LOT of tracks, from this title and that. Some audiophile fodder, some left-of-center goodies...some flat-out, old-school rockers! Don't Let Go, from Foreigner IV DVD-A, Santa Monica from Everclear; Hunger Strike from Temple Of The Dog...even You Shook Me All Night Long from AC/DC (lol...I know...guilty pleasures). My god can this amp flat-out bring it!

I honestly think I've been under-driving my 25s all this time! One of the reported short-comings of some Dyn models, is they need a little goosing to really come alive. My little Belles 150a Hot-Rod is a very sweet amp; but it's rated 125/225. Man, I think you need to light about 300 watts under these puppies, to really make them sing. (I read Stereophile reviewed the 2500a and measured constant output at 295/451...and then for musical transients (reserve power), measured with something called IHF tone-bursts...315/600...and 976 into a 2ohm load!).

So...if I'm going to keep it, now I need to clean 'er up. Ed said a top-plate (which is actually top and non-heatsink side, in one piece) is only about $50, plus the s&h. That'll help make great strides. I hope I can count on the group for advice on some of the other "cosmetic" issues?

Think it's worth it, to have Ed give 'er the once over? He said between 1-1.5 hours on the bench, at $96 per. So ~$200, with s&h, for the peace of mind that everything is up to snuff.

CD,
When you posted in your PM to me that your first impressions were okay, but nothing exciting, my first thought was: Leave it on for a week..

A lot of SS components like a good solid warmup to be at their best.

And it's both the C-J quality and the power, but mostly it's the C-J quality. Even my 70Wpc tube amp can rock the house pretty good with no sense of strain while sounding amazing.

I know that less than perfect cosmetics can be disappointing, but given the situation, it might most productive to take a glass half full view and really get to know the amp, and make the most what if can bring to your musical enjoyment of your system. Personally, I think it's worthwhile cleaning up and servicing your MF2500A and just settling in to live with it for a while. If you really like the amp and decide you want it to become a longer-term reference, you can always wait for that perfect example to come along. My guess is regardless of whether you stay with the MF as your main amp for the longer term, it would not be surprised if you don't decide to keep it in "the collection" or for the basis of a second system at some point in time.

It's great to hear that you're enjoying what you're hearing and you're coming to know what all of us C-J owners know...that C-J makes some magical products that can really create an engaging and beguiling musical experience.

If you like what the MF2500A sounds like, just think what a Premier 350 would be like.

I would just leave your amp on continuously, and you may find it will get even better.

Enjoy.

-Stephen

[bgiliberti]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

...A lot of SS components like a good solid warmup to be at their best. ...

True, in fact, I hear much improvement from the SS amp when it is fully warmed up, which takes several days, and actually quite little change from the tube preamp, which sounds great after about 10 minutes.

[CDLehner]

Originally Posted by bgiliberti

True, in fact, I hear much improvement from the SS amp when it is fully warmed up, which takes several days, and actually quite little change from the tube preamp, which sounds great after about 10 minutes.

Interesting. I think conventional wisdom and instinct would be the opposite...but there's no question this 2500a sounded cold out of the gate. Guess I'm going to have to put the 'ole Kill-O-Watt on 'er...because I'd like to leave this baby on 24/7.