Posted by Adrian Lee on February 05, 2003 at 22:54:11:
Hello SLOGers,
My first post: I am getting the used A-3's with toroids (thanks to
those of you who gave me advice over email).
Now I have to consider amplification.
I know people like the wolcotts, Atma-sphere MA-2, and Parasound JC-1,
but I can't afford those, for now at least. (well, maybe the JC-1 on
big discount)
That leaves:
1) Innersound ESL
2) used older Atma-sphere MA-1 *Mk-1* (seen them as low at $2000)
3) used newer Atma-sphere M-60 *mk-II* (just don't go too loud!)
4) biamp with Atma-sphere M-60 Mk II on top, cheap powerful SS on bottom.
I'm oscillating between thinking the Innersound will be great and thinking
I will miss out without tubes.
Currently running spectral dma-90 (100 WPC, 22 A) on MG-IIIa's with VTL 2.5 linestage.
I'm happy with this, but of course you never know if something else
will be better. Preamp will likely be upgraded e.g.
CAT, A-S MP-3, but stay tubes.
Maybe I'll only know by trying. I could get some used Atma-spheres
and shoot it out with the spectral at low volume. Loser gets sold.
With the IIIa's and tubes I had one good demo: VTL 225 deluxes gave a
wonderful midrange and one bad demo: CJ premier 11a sounded rolled off
and "wooly" esp. compared to spectral.
I do know about the upgrade that gives higher impedance
in the midrange. Will probably get it.
Many thanks,
Adrian