shanedudddy2 Posted December 9, 2009 Posted December 9, 2009 Yes solid state, source is a modified Beresford Caiman dac, I dont have the money to mess around with analog.
tuyen Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 Yes solid state, source is a modified Beresford Caiman dac, I dont have the money to mess around with analog. After testing quite a few solid state amps and valve amps with the ML-1, I would recommend going valve. Something within your price range.. the Ming Da MC34-B from CoemAudio (sponsor) would power the ML-1 no problems. You have to try something like this before you set your mind on only being open to solid state amps!
eyesofra Posted February 3, 2010 Posted February 3, 2010 hi tuyen.......... the ming da is a 22w/ch amp. Would it still drive the lenehans optimally ? They do need a lotta current to sound the best don't they ? Curious to hear your opinion on this.......
Once was an audiophile Posted February 3, 2010 Posted February 3, 2010 hi tuyen..........the ming da is a 22w/ch amp. Would it still drive the lenehans optimally ? They do need a lotta current to sound the best don't they ? Curious to hear your opinion on this....... quality of watts is the important thing.some ml1 like tuyens and my mates are driven by a 20watt triode amp.which is more then enough how ever both amps are modded.
tuyen Posted February 3, 2010 Posted February 3, 2010 hi eyesofra, Can't say for certain as I haven't paired the ml-1 with the ming da before but like kajak12 has said in his post, I along with others are using the ml-1 with a 20watt triode amp (chinese yaqin amp el34 modded) and it can go plenty loud without loss of dynamics or unfavourable distortion. At an educated guess, I'd say the ming da should power the ml-1 to pretty decent levels without issues. I have paired the ML-1 with 150watt class D amp (bel canto), 100watt (ME), 8 watt (audio note) and found they all worked very well. The audio note 8 watt SET amp did clip a bit when i cranked it up really loud (wouldn't ever listen to it that loud though).
Guest Muon Posted February 3, 2010 Posted February 3, 2010 Whats the deal with the nearfield switch?For listening in close proximity, as would be the situation for an audio engineer in a studio, it would also be handy if someone has them in a small bedroom where they are relativity close to them I guess.I'm lucky in that I can position myself at 3m from them in my bedroom, so they sound great without the need for the near-field mod. Mike explains it a little on his site.
Audiobugged Posted February 4, 2010 Author Posted February 4, 2010 SOme quick personal notes: Nearfield switch although designed for studios, is not exclusively for nearfield. The ml1's are designed for optimal sound in a room of certain "average" size - I believe around 3.2 m listening distance, speakers 2.5 m apart and about 1.5 m from back and side walls (very roughly). In this acoustic environment, the tuning allows the speakers to achieve the desired response curve (Mike claims flat, I suspect there's some slight voicing ...) The nf switch allows you to get to this response in a more intimate environment as it does not expect as much room interaction/energizing... Apologies if I'm not using the right technical descriptors but this is my layman understanding... Feel obligated in pointing this out as my listening is done at about 2.3m away and the nf switch engaged is definitely preferable for me z and this is bourne out from my crude iPhone freq measurements. Also, optimum amp power is very much room size dependent. My pluses felt constrained when driven by 30w valve monos in a large room. Far better results to my ears in my system and room (150w pass labs) AB
Once was an audiophile Posted February 4, 2010 Posted February 4, 2010 quality of watts audiobugged is the key,watts are just watts nothing else.your 1st watt is crap why have more of them.i ran the ml1 in room 5mX7m with quality 20watt triode.also their was a audio research d125 125watt, 8 x 6550 in the output stage.yaquin modded had more weight and dynamics then a audio research power amp with way more power.
eyesofra Posted February 4, 2010 Posted February 4, 2010 very interesting guys...... my Primare i30 drives them well but just interested in knowing how a tube amp would sound with them .... is there's a possibility of these tube gears being better then the 100watter ss.......
Once was an audiophile Posted February 4, 2010 Posted February 4, 2010 (edited) very interesting guys...... my Primare i30 drives them well but just interested in knowing how a tube amp would sound with them ....is there's a possibility of these tube gears being better then the 100watter ss....... well put it this why tuyen had plenty of ss amps and now runs tubes,i had a few ss amps and now run tubes. my friend runs tubes had a few ss amps. a modded yaqin will eat your primare i30 for breakfast,i have no doubt in my mind.dont even bother comparing it to iiprimare try something in the $10,000 bracket up.a modded yanqin will set you back about $3000 depending on what tubes you use.tube sound is not everybodys taste.the yanqin is also custom tuned to what the user likes. Edited February 4, 2010 by kajak12
tuyen Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 No need to be so harsh on primare gear Mario! For some people the Primare does suit their taste and it's the best they have heard in their system so who are we to burst their bubbles! Plus, when you mean '$10,000', that is for commercial amps you get at shops.. if you were to give a DIY'er that amount, I'm sure he could build something amazing! Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to hear and play around with quite a few amps in a short period of time and luckily have managed to find an amp that has 'ultra-fi' sound quality at a 'low-fi' price But to answer your question eyesofra, yes there is great possibility that 'low powered' tube amps sounding much more musical and listenable over a 100watter ss using connected to the ML-1 for sure!! I've experienced it!!!
soundfan Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Its horses for courses. Mike Lenehan now uses SS amps to demo his speakers, we all have our preferences, and really dont need to be getting into ss v's tubes here IMO. Chris
tuyen Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Which amps is Mike using now in his demo room? The Mcintosh monos?
Once was an audiophile Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 (edited) No need to be so harsh on primare gear Mario! For some people the Primare does suit their taste and it's the best they have heard in their system so who are we to burst their bubbles! Plus, when you mean '$10,000', that is for commercial amps you get at shops.. if you were to give a DIY'er that amount, I'm sure he could build something amazing!Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to hear and play around with quite a few amps in a short period of time and luckily have managed to find an amp that has 'ultra-fi' sound quality at a 'low-fi' price But to answer your question eyesofra, yes there is great possibility that 'low powered' tube amps sounding much more musical and listenable over a 100watter ss using connected to the ML-1 for sure!! I've experienced it!!! your right tuyen people have diffrent tastes.i should keep my mouth shut. Edited February 5, 2010 by kajak12
Once was an audiophile Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Its horses for courses. Mike Lenehan now uses SS amps to demo his speakers, we all have our preferences, and really dont need to be getting into ss v's tubes here IMO.Chris ia m not just tryiing to get the message across that watts dont mean much.
soundfan Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Which amps is Mike using now in his demo room? The Mcintosh monos? Yes, the MC 501's. Chris
Once was an audiophile Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Yes, the MC 501's.Chris big power and plenty of head room with the macs. out of my price range....
Audiobugged Posted March 10, 2010 Author Posted March 10, 2010 (edited) quality of watts audiobugged is the key,watts are just watts nothing else.your 1st watt is crap why have more of them.i ran the ml1 in room 5mX7m with quality 20watt triode.also their was a audio research d125 125watt, 8 x 6550 in the output stage.yaquin modded had more weight and dynamics then a audio research power amp with way more power. Couldn't agree more that quality is of most importance. THe 30 watt monos I was referring to were Kondo monos. Usually partnered to Avantgarde Trios. And they are still about the best hifi system I've yet heard. Room a fair bit bigger than your 5x7, perhaps double or triple the volume? Like I said, big... not to mention that they had to be set about 12 feet away from the front wall (remember the ML1's are all rear ported). Result with the ML1 plus? Underwhelming (of course this is relative to the pedigree of the front end and amplification). Hence my conclusion that watts do matter for these babies, especially in a large room... Do not get me wrong, I'm sure you're doing well with your 20watter, but listening volumes + music type + room are critical parts of the equation and to me, lots of good high quality watts make them really SING! well put it this why tuyen had plenty of ss amps and now runs tubes,i had a few ss amps and now run tubes.my friend runs tubes had a few ss amps. a modded yaqin will eat your primare i30 for breakfast,i have no doubt in my mind.dont even bother comparing it to iiprimare try something in the $10,000 bracket up.a modded yanqin will set you back about $3000 depending on what tubes you use.tube sound is not everybodys taste.the yanqin is also custom tuned to what the user likes. Agree with Tuyen there, no need to be so antsy. Can see that you have little doubt in your mind that everyone else who doesn't subscribe to your audio religion is either misguided or stark raving mad... big power and plenty of head room with the macs.out of my price range.... Would absolutely love to hear those macs... My understanding and experience so far is that the ML1's are damn near unburstable... and they certainly do sing with lots of juice.... AB Edited March 10, 2010 by Audiobugged
Once was an audiophile Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 the room that the 20w triode is in,4.6m wide and 7m long. music played classical,country,jazz,rock volume ranges from 70db to 100db subwoofer does the bottom end. all custom built,6 months of work tuned to what the owner likes. watts are just a guide musicality cant be measured only heard. and yes kondos are great but they are also overpriced.
Two Flies Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 AB enjoyed reading your review thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts.
Once was an audiophile Posted September 19, 2010 Posted September 19, 2010 the ml1 ultra is here and its above the ml1+r in everyway possible this is a speaker with duellund caps $2000 to upgrade your current ml1's or ml1+r to the ultra specs.
Dalamii Posted September 19, 2010 Posted September 19, 2010 Any idea how much will cost for a ML1 Ultra from new with no upgrade from old verison?
Once was an audiophile Posted September 19, 2010 Posted September 19, 2010 Any idea how much will cost for a ML1 Ultra from new with no upgrade from old verison? $4800 is the the price of the ultra
Guest Muon Posted September 19, 2010 Posted September 19, 2010 I've read some glowing reviews on the Dueland Caps, though I don't think I have heard any speakers using them, so far...
Recommended Posts