DynaudioFC Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) Hi everyone, I'm having right now Dynaudio C4 speaker. I have been played around with a lots Power Amps which is ML 333 then ML 436 mono, and end up with Audio Research REF 600 MKI mono. I really like the REF 600, sound clear, deep and very warm. But the only thing is they come with too much trouble because they have that many valves on it including the fan. So I decide to look on something else to drive my Dynaudio C4. Anyone have any idea because my speaker is very hard to drive but once you get to the point, I can't explain it. I can seat in my room for whole day. My system: Speaker : Dynaudio C4 Pre-amp : Audio Research REF 5 Transport : Mark Levinson No.31 DAC : Mark Levinson No.36 Power-Amp : Audio Research REF 600 MKI mono Speaker cable : Transparent Reference MM SS Interconnecter : MIT AVT balance Edited September 9, 2012 by DynaudioFC
A J Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Are you saying that you can stay in the room all day with the REF 600's but that they are hard work to maintain - so you are looking for another set of amps that sound like the 600's? - if you are looking for clear deep and warm with power - I think you should have a look at a Plinius amp. Dynaudio's are noted for their good synergy with Plinus amps.
WhakPak Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I'm downsizing at the moment, so if you'd like to buy my Halcro dm78's I'd consider all reasonable offers.
metal beat Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) Hi FC I have been down this path and tried a lot of ss amps. ML 436,33h , plinius , gryphon, bryston to name a few. None of them have the life, vitality, upper air extension and 3d soundstaging that large tube mono blocks have. I am sure that the ref 600' have the same abilities. Take a look at removing the top covers for air flow and disconnect the fans. Lots of arc owners have done that with success. Good luck Edited September 9, 2012 by turntable 1
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted September 9, 2012 Volunteer Posted September 9, 2012 Try this http://www.sanderssoundsystems.com/products/amplifiers/magtech-amp
metal beat Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) I have also tried the Sanders magtech. Unfortunately it is no match for the ref 600 imo Edited September 9, 2012 by turntable 1
vic Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Hi, The ref 600mk1 are known to play up.Good tubes and using KT88 will help ,matched quads. Dust is the enemy,set fans at least 12 a clock(don,t disconnect!!) have amps off the floor with space for airflow underneath amps. Clean amps internally each mth,depending on how much dust you room has.Is your room airconditioned ?Get better filters / more for this.These amps put out the most heat of any amp available,even with fans running heat is still a problem.(with this exception http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?7628-Tube-Research-Labs-Platinum-Golden-Triode-Reference-800-Mono-Amplifiers ) Check and adjust bias correct,(have you been checking bias,mine hold bias very well.)when bias becomes eratic etc change tube (both) immediately.Tube failure is always spectacular but can be very costly is circuit board is damaged which will eventually happen. A ref300mkII will be a good option much more reliable cheaper and easier to look after.(i have ref600mkIII ) so I know . Cheers
metal beat Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Hey Vic, can the 600's use kt120's? They are very reliable.
kramered Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I'd talk to Elson Silva from Cymer Audio. He can build bespoke valve amplification (high-power push-pull in this case) that, IMO, will challenge the sonic qualities of the ARC and surpass its build quality, for a fraction of the price. Cheers, EK
metal beat Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) I'd talk to Elson Silva from Cymer Audio. He can build bespoke valve amplification (high-power push-pull in this case) that, IMO, will challenge the sonic qualities of the ARC and surpass its build quality, for a fraction of the price. Cheers, EK Ed, what about some of those mega ss amps you have recently reviewed? Cost may not be an option. Still prefer the tube magic over those? Edited September 9, 2012 by turntable
kramered Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 True, if money's no object, in the solid state camp I'd be auditioning the D'Agostino monos (even the stereo), Gryphon Mephisto and the Technical Brain monos, to name the latest I've experienced. All those are SOTA SS amps with slightly different flavours. Pick what suits your tastes/speakers. Got to catch up again, TT... Cheers, EK 1
Luc Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Pair of Manley Snappers on AG, will ship W/wide, opening 3 bids amount to $101 which is below his reserve: Wonder what his reserve will be?
Young Skywalker Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Maybe a pair of zero feedback class A solid state monoblock amps would do the job? http://www.msbtech.com/products/m200.php?Page=platinumHome
vic Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) Hey Vic, can the 600's use kt120's? They are very reliable. Not sure ,I suspect not as they draw more heater current and with 16 may be a bit much.I would hate to thing how much new transformers are ?(size of the tube is ok,they will fit easy ) Kt 88 you can get very good ones which really improve the sound,at varying price points.NOS tubes are not for this amp. The ref 600t had many tube related failures so the kt120 in the ref750 will help as they seem nearly indestructable(tubes) ,but with very high powered amps things happen. Edgar,I know Elson hates these amps very hard to work on and they go boom. Cheers Edited September 9, 2012 by vic
DynaudioFC Posted September 9, 2012 Author Posted September 9, 2012 Thanks for all reply. VIC, you had a lots knowledge about ref600 so you know that the power amp MKI is always blow up the tubes. It makes me sick of it. But for the rest, mate i think ref600 for low 20k that is the best i ever heart right now. I used to try ML 53H to drive from the guys he wanna sell it but can't beat the ref600. I really like it but i got to try to look for some thing else. I know my speaker is very hard to drive but i love it so much. I changed B&W 800D into Dynaudio C4 last year because what i see is from the Dynaudio is more nature and details.
Bus_Boy Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 What about the Prima Luna KT88 mono blocks?
DynaudioFC Posted September 9, 2012 Author Posted September 9, 2012 What about the Prima Luna KT88 mono blocks? Uhmmmmm.... Not really like it... If for that i would peak Mcintosh MC275 but they are powerfull enough for my speaker... Thanks for your reply anyways.
DoggieHowser Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I've heard great results with Dynaudios and Plinius or Chord power amps.
Bus_Boy Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Uhmmmmm.... Not really like it... If for that i would peak Mcintosh MC275 but they are powerfull enough for my speaker... Thanks for your reply anyways. No worries, they just popped up in some reading i was doing and wondered what others thought of them.
metal beat Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) There is a ref600 mk111 at audio connection. Time to upgrade? The previous owner upgraded to the 100k Gryphon Mephisto. Edited September 9, 2012 by turntable
Winter Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Plinius sa250 ref Pass labs 100.5 monos Classe'
Guest guru Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Mk 2's were only marginally more reliable than the 100 percent failure rate of the mk 1's. Mk 3's seemed okay but I would not disengage the fans, convection would not be able to dissipate the heat generated.
vic Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 The trouble that you have had is only blowing tubes?have the tubes been tested? Mosture high humidity will play havoc with the amps also.Eddie Lee serviced mine. Replaced high voltage rectifiers 600v to 1000 v ,since then 4yrs no trouble .Removing dust was the key . Have you had them serviced or checked ? Sometimes you just get bad tubes,Eddie Lee is the expert on these amps ,I'll pm you his number give him a call .Guru would also know these amps too.
DynaudioFC Posted September 10, 2012 Author Posted September 10, 2012 The trouble that you have had is only blowing tubes?have the tubes been tested? Mosture high humidity will play havoc with the amps also.Eddie Lee serviced mine. Replaced high voltage rectifiers 600v to 1000 v ,since then 4yrs no trouble .Removing dust was the key . Have you had them serviced or checked ? Sometimes you just get bad tubes,Eddie Lee is the expert on these amps ,I'll pm you his number give him a call .Guru would also know these amps too. I did everything man, been service at clarkeaudio all times. There is a ref600 mk111 at audio connection. Time to upgrade? The previous owner upgraded to the 100k Gryphon Mephisto. Ohh... for that I would go for REF610 for 25k... That's what John told me last time I call audioconnection. I think I should upgrade to REF 610...
hugo_wilco Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Bob Carver monoblocks on Absolute Hi End website might do the trick. Give Boris a call.
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