2. amps-preamps
  3. 1161471195

CAIN ABBY OWNERS - AMP ADVICE PLEASE

Looking to get into integrated SET with my Abbys, but on a PP budget. I actually aquired an very inexpensive off-brand 845 integrated that sounded amazing until it blew a transformer after a few hours of play (!). I loved the richness of the SET sound and the fat-mids of the 845 tube (while it was working!).

That said, could I find that same sound with a less powerful tube, say the 2a3? These tend to be a lot less expensive that the 845-based models and I can probably find a more established brand.

I don't much power with the Abbys. However, I do listen to many different kinds of music including rock and was kind of wowed by the punchy mids from the 845s.

My budget is somewhere between $700-$1000.

Could you share your amp experiences please?
gfields
gfields's avatar
gfields OP
13 posts
 
thanks for the suggestions. you actually inspired me to cast my net a little wider. i also considered the almarro a318a, but I've seen dicussions here that it sounded a little dry with the Abbys. I ended up going the safe route - i.e. with an 845-based integrated unit: a dared VP-845. It's new and more than i wanted to spend, but the sound of that big triode really got to me. thanks again.
darkmoebius
899 posts
 
One of the best amps I have heard driving the Abbys at any - yes, that's rght any - price range is the $800 SEP (single-ended Pentode) Almarro A205A. You can find them used here for ~$550.

I have heard this combination several times and it always blows me away with it's tonal purity. It simply sounds perfectly "right" in so many ways. The combination is a classic example of synergy where price really has no bearing.

For reference, I own the 7x more expensive Cain & Cain IM-Bens(opitonal brass ring) and optional Fosex T-900A supertweeter. Toss in the pair of C&C Bailey subwoofers and that is the best the Cain Company has to offer. I use a S&B TVC into Art Audio's best amp, the PX-25. I also have Welborne Labs DRD 300B monoblocks. (check the rest of my system here)

Yet, the first time I heard the A205A/Abby combo w/ Bailey sub I was overwhelmed with a deep sense of regret, buyer's remorse, whatever you want to call it. I am not kidding, this was magical. When you take price into consideration, it is a steal.

Of course, coming back home to my own system quickly reminded me of all the ways my setup outperformed the A205A/Abby combo. Specifically richness of tonality, scale, depth, etc, etc. But, every time I hear the combo again I am just as blown away as the first time.

Oddly, the A205A actually sounded as good or better with the Abbys than the AA PX-25, an Almarro A318A, and Audion Sterling ETSE EL-34 integrated that I own.

Please don't take this as a raving claim that the Abbys and A205A are the "greatest ever", no amp or speakers are. I'm just saying that the combo performs far beyond it's price range and what would be expected. And is definitely worth checking out.
restock
826 posts
 
Darkmoebius, great you responded to this thread - I remembered someone telling me about the Abby/Almarro combination, but could not remember who.

Gfields, I am not sure how much you are planning to spend, but if you will consider separates you might have some more choices: Fi Y with a Fi 45 amp, Welborne 45 amps, etc.

Also, one of the best sources out there is Terry Cain himself. He has tried a wide variety of amps.

Enjoy!

Rene
More to discover