Round 2: Tubes amps, no ss discussion

I'd recommend stepping up the CJ line: get into some Premier monoblocks... all the virtues of the MV60 and then some. Of course, I am a bit biased as I have CJ Premier 5's (EL-34, 2 x 200wpc in UL, 2 x 100wpc or so in Triode mode). IMNSHO, some of the best amps CJ's ever made. The only thing even close is Premier 8XS @ $17,000/pr. With adjustment of various NOS tubes, you can tailor the sound of the Prem. 5's quite a bit. I had a 47 Lab gaincard for a while - a nice amp certainly ,but not at the power level of the CJ stuff. A whole different ball game really. Probably not enough power for 85db speakers. I am needing to sell the Premier 5's, they are listed here on A'gon and are within your budget range. Email me if you are interested.

-Ed Sawyer

I haven't yet, destroyed anyone's marriage but MINE! Twice! And i think i am well on the way to do the same thing with this (current) one. Anyway, i thought you went with Kestrels? Or you are still using the older monitors? If you are using passive pre, low gain will result in some lose of dynamics, if speakers aren't easy to drive. I believe, that should be an answer instead replacing the amp. CJ makes some of the best pre amps, and compatibility with your amp won't be an issue. Good Luck!

3 possibilities I can think of:
1-change to a more aggressive tube, ie GE vs mullard
2-go to a powered sub/crossover running between the pre and amps. This will give a ton more power and shouldn't be an audible difference crossed below 100hz. According to the owner of Janis (subs, crossovers and sub amps), if you cross over the system at 100hz, you will effectively triple the output power available to your speakers!
3-Get a more detailed cable-I love nordost

Alphas are on my list as is moving up the CJ food chain. I agree that the passive set up may be the issue. I am borrowing a CJ preamp this week. Eldragon, the Kestrels came and went as did the Vireos and ProAc 1SCs. Glad we are all on similar wavelengths. Many thanks for all your input. I will bring you up to date.

Cellorover,
I see that your minis are 85db and I believe the MV60 is 55wpc. I am considering getting an MV60 myself and matching it with Vandersteen 2Ce at 86db, but I have been wondering if the MV60 can successfully drive a speaker with that low of sensitivity. How is the MV60 at driving your 85db monitors? How much do you crank on it for good listening levels?