2. amps-preamps
  3. 1039334190

Transitioning: back to solid state....

Quandaries and time consuming frustrations...

This is a derivative of one of those tube vs. solid state amps. And, good god, I never thought I'd start one of these types of threads.

I've started some pretty stupid threads on audiogon, but this one might take the cake.

Anyways, after clicking my virtual system link, you are well aware that the centerpiece of my system is the not-so-reviewed and not-so-popular, the lowest of the low of all ARC amps, the CA50 integrated amp.

It is my first tube component, and I am in the process of replacing it. Tubes are simply a hassle for me, and, being too ignorant to know how to bias tube amps, I'd rather get a solid state. This way, I won't have to worry about purchasing megabuck NOS tubes or having to replace worned out tubes. Oh, and I'd love to leave the amp on ALL da time.

I've collected quite a lot of data in my cerebral databank about the solid state amps capable of replacing tube ones and are under $2000 used. The hit list includes Pass Alephs 3 or 5, 47 Labs' Gaincard, Bel Canto Evo 200.2, and Spectron's Troubador.

One observation I made when doing my research, besides the Spectron, Pass, 47 Lab and Bel Canto has received tons of reviews from professionals and amateurs alike with a one standard deviation of the population favoring each of these (That is about 95%). A great deal of these reviewers, including the professional ones, even tout these solid state amps as comparable or better than megabucks solid state amps and capable or residing comfortably in a tube lover's system as well.

With all this in mind, I've made the assumption/fallacy that I can replace my modest lowest end ARC amp with one of the fabulous solid state amps with improved sonic quality and ergonomics as well.

Assumptions, hypothesis, fallacies, whatever, they need to be tested, and, today, I did just that. I plopped down hard earned college tuition on one of the solid state amps that is mentioned.

What do you think is the result?
viggen
viggen OP
817 posts
 
Hey Jax,

I've actually been pondering the same exact thing that you've "opened," this being slotting a tube pre- between the digital front and the current solid state amp I am using. However, here is another can of worms, the aesthetics side of my don't want to go there. However, just for experiment, and when I have time to do so, I might slot the CA50 back in the system and use it as a preamp just to hear how a tube pre will improve this system. But, numerous postings on audioasylum preaches against this method claiming things from "it defeats the purpose of getting this amp," to "I've tried it with and without a pre, and it sounds the best by going direct."

And, this leads to another can'o worms; this being the scientific method, and I'd you can't leave statistics behind. Just how MANY SS amps am I going to buy before I come to the conclusion that everyone knows already? Actually, I have no idea how to answer this question except by asking this: just how many amps did all of you guys owned in your life time? I will tally all replies on a spreadsheet and find the mean and standard deviation. If the central limit theorem rings true, I should be close to the mean.
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, the CA50 has a SOLID STATE pre amp in it! So if you are talking about going direct into the CA50, you are bypassing the pre amp? Just some Junior moment?
viggen OP
817 posts
 
I had no idea that the CA50 has a solid state preamp. I read somewhere that it has a similar pre- section tothe LS15. But then that info might be wrong.

Regarding me wanting to go direct into the CA50's amp section, if you read that somewhere, it sure wasn't from this thread.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Ohala makes a very good point. Again, I don't know much about your Meridian DAC & Transport other than it is an older model, but the golden rule that Ohala is indirectly referring to: "Garbage In = Garbage Out"...it doesn't matter what you use to amplify it. Just the fact that the Meridian is a eight year-old 18 bit DAC tells me that there is probably (much more) room for some improvement there, far more than in changing your amp. Ohala is also right on the money regarding scientific methods and stats (you crack me up there Ohala!) - Your two ears are the best gauge in making judgments here....Use 'The Force' Viggen!
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, Doh!
The pre is simimilar to an LS9(no slouch, nice and smooth and follows in the tracks of the well resprcted LS3) if I am not mistaken. I must have gotten the direct thing mixed up with the new SS amp and the rest of this stuff in this thread.

I will make a count of my amps and get back with you. I will count monos as one stereo unit and at one time I had 4 of the same tube Mono Luxman 3045's. I will count that as one as well.
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