Assistance with Coincident set-up

Abill,
I still own an excellent 100watt(60 watt triode) push-pull amplifier. If I only listened to large scale classical at"very" loud levels(95db and higher)or heavy bass content electronica,rap,hip-hop etc. at quite loud volume,the PP amp would be more ideal.

With those two exceptions, "all" other music at reasonable listening levels i.e. 70-90db, I`d prefer the Frankenstein MKII without question. In all other parameters it`s the superior sounding amplifier.

Audiogon member Jianming pang has experience with both the Frankenstein and DragonMKII. He is completely satisfied with the new Dragons.

Hi Abill,
I have heard the new Dragon MkII. It has tremendous dynamics with a purity that closes the gap between it and the Franks.
That being said, I will never replace the Franks. Should I wish to seek out my dynamics from my system, I would go the high quality pre amp route.
At this time, the Franks with the Pures gives me everything I need and more then I ever realized I wanted!
Listen preferences lean towards jazz,small scale classical and 60's to early eighties rock with an average of 85 spls (high 90's peak) measured from a seating position 7.2 ft from speakers with an spl meter app on my iPhone.

Regards,

Hi Abill,

I owned the latest Franks II last year. For less than a year, i sold it. It was a huge mistake, please don't sell yours. If you like it's neutrality, purity and low level details extraction, nothing comes close to Franks. Yes, like you, i felt at times it was polite when listened to explosive classical and movies, it lacks the oomph...but i had passive preamp then. Preamp mades a huge difference. Save up for the Statement Linestage, I've owned it for 3 months now and regret i didn't do it earlier. Don't look else where....i did that and end up with disappointment and frustration.

If you must have dynamics and gutsier sound, go for Dragons MK2. I had first gen Dragons before upgraded to latest Dragon Mk2, huge difference! It came very close to Franks, but there is still a difference. For most music, Franks with Statement should satisfy most. If you can't compromise ultimate purity, transparency and low level details for a more explosive gutsier sound, Franks should stay in your system.

My suggestion: go for a used dragons and bi-amp with your Franks. If not possible, change your cd player to higher end model of Esoteric, separates are good. And get the latest Coincident Shotgun cables, they are the signature version of Extreme cables, essentially two extreme cables in one...it should made quite significant improvements and transformation to your sound. You will experience Franks like never before....i did that and never regret this route.

All the best!

Jimmy

I think Abill realizes the true gem he has in the Frankenstein MKII amplifier. Jimmy I agree with your opinion of the Statement linestage and hope Abill gets an opprotunity to hear it with his Franks one day.

Thank You Jianming_pang for taking the time to post.Your info is very helpful.I'm not in any hurry to change anything.I like your suggestion to update to Coincidents new ShotGun Cables. Trying to save but it's almost impossible in this economy.I'm spending more time enjoying what I have and trying some diy anti vibration tweeks.The last two or three days I'm fine tuning the location of my speakers.Last night I thing I found the speaker sweet spot,it's amazing the change I got from moving my speakers an eight of an inch this way or that way.
I also ordered more vibrapods (#1 and #2's)and also fine tuned the weights with lighter vibrapods,making one change at a time.
For the last few months I changed my mind set to if it doesn't sound right it's not coincident products and it is paying off in spades !!
I am happy with my Coincident speakers, amps and cables.
My system imaging and dynamics are much improved since tweaking system and getting new preamp tubes.

I'll report back when I get the shotgun cables.

Thank you everyone I appreciate the comments.