change to valves?

[admin_exported]

Hi, back with another question! Since getting back into HiFi a few years back I've been in love with the idea of valves. Now Im getting the chance to actually change to valves and starting to wonder what Im getting into!

Im currently using CA 740A with a Project RPM 5.1 and 740C cd player. I have the chance to buy a icon audio valve amp and my main question is what can I expect? is there really that much difference?

My speakers are mezzo 2s which would be next in the chain to be swapped but not in the short term - would I still get a benifit with the valves staying with these speakers?

I listen to a broad mix including the usual Floyd, Zep and mainly blues based music

cheers fo any insight

 

[floyd droid]

First of all you have not said which icon audio it is.

Secondly, if ,and obviously i am,i tell you that a lot of valve amps are voiced in such a way that they sound like tranny amps,would you buy it ?.

Oh and folk will be spouting in with ' ooh no far too warm,smooth ,pirelli slippers and a pipe sound, ignore them for they havnt a clue if they come out with that nonsense.

You have to listen to a fair few mate. Dont dive in head first for the icon. Telling you what to expect is daft because you will audition with a pre conceived sound in your head.

Valves aint for everybody, go listen and judge for yourself, tis the only way mate.

 

[chebby]

I prefer hifi that only takes 30 seconds to wipe down with a lightly dampened chammy and a quick dust with one of these.

Valves are too much work for me. (I had a little valve hybrid a few years ago and could not get on with all that chrome and glass. Ended up cleaning as much as listening.) Always be worrying about the valves conking out when you are broke too.

If you are never broke and have a ready supply of fluffy duster refills and have a good cleaning lady who is trained in caring for 1950s electronics then go for it. Some the amps are lovely looking things in a steam-punk/Dan Dare sort of way.

 

[floyd droid]

Oooh i can feel a valve pron thread coming along. Im reluctant to tell the op to go for it chebbs, he has to listen to a few. Ok i could say yup go for the Mastersound reference 845 but then i would have to kill him if he got one.

Oh gimme gimme gimme. Fink my foatie got edited or twas a breach of copyrite, never mind.

 

[Anonymous]

you sussed me! I didnt say what type as Im unsure at the mo, I was told but it was a very busy place(work!) and I coudlnt remember when I got home lol. Its from a chap a work and he is very much into HiFi, I could list some of his kit but sufice to say it's many people wish list so Im guessing the icon is at least a a stero 40. I now its resently be fitted with some KT88's. I will be seeing him next week to arrange a viewing/listing. What I was wondering is I know its a (financial) step up from my current amp and was wondering what Im going to hear. I have read about the warmth etc of valve amps but I guess Im wondering if its a sigificant upgrade from my 740A enough to merrit the outlay. I do have a plan to steadly improve my gear but it was pretty long term (took three years to get where I am now) but the option of this amp is very tempting. thanks for the input so far I understand the best thing is to listen my self - was just intrested in what people thoughts are.

And chebby thanks for the outside thought on cleaning but TBA I live on my own (with son) and dusting/house work isn't too high on our list of prioritys.

 

[floyd droid]

Ah now you are off to a head start with this amp. Ask matey for the EL34s he swapped the 88s for ( well unless they blew that is !! ) then you can do a comparison. Im taking a flyer that this is the MK II version ?. It is going to sound totaly different to your 740 gwindy. Should be ok with your speakers btw.

I wasnt trying to put you off in my previous post mate. Glowing in the dark is good, but im biased

.

 

[stephennic]

Hi,

Valves - well, I think once you start listening to valves you be hooked.

Good solid state amps usually are quick, dynamic and have solid bass, good clarity. Valves tend to add naturalness and warmth to the sound and I found tend to be a little more 3D (imaging - depth etc) as well, of course this maybe an over generalization.

They say if you like turntables you will tend to like valves.

Cheers

Steve.

 

[the record spot]

This picked up an excellent review from a very respectable online magazine this month:-

http://www.dere.com/newsite/SE84C.htm

It's got a mighty 2w per channel, so you'll need some sensitive speakers, 89db or better (apparently it worked well connected to a pair of Gamut speakers); nice little thing though.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feed back guys. Im really looking forward to checking it out next week. I much prefer the sound of my vinyl to CD but not to the point of excluding CD but after an two/three hours of CD Im ready to switch to either FM or vinyl. Floyd Im pretty sure your right it's a 40 Mk II but I'll know tomorrow when i listen more carefully!

i'll keep you posted

cheers

 

[floyd droid]

the record spot:This picked up an excellent review from a very respectable online magazine this month:-

http://www.dere.com/newsite/SE84C.htm

It's got a mighty 2w per channel, so you'll need some sensitive speakers, 89db or better (apparently it worked well connected to a pair of Gamut speakers); nice little thing though.

Strange but true. I got a real estate web site via your link !!. Honest,im not kidding.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,just incase anyone was intrested in this thread I've now clocked about 20 hours listening to valves and Im totally committed! A very different sound to the CA gear which of coarse took/takes some getting used to.

Vinyl has been taken to a different level, vocals are fantastic and there seems to be nothing holding the instruments back. The guy I've bought it off said it will only improve as there is only about 10hours on the tubes. Another advantage is I can listen to Dab radio (rock radio) for hours without getting serious fatigue/headache!

for me a worthwhile improvment.

Oh almost forgot the amp is the 40i special addition and I also got the PS3 phono/pwr supp

 

[floyd droid]

Welcome to the glass bottle club, hee hee nice innit

.

 

[Anonymous]

floyd droid:Welcome to the glass bottle club, hee hee nice innit

.

Glass bottles of all types are welcome at my place...

Have to say though...I wont go back to trannys....

 

[floyd droid]

Me neither thats for sure