Looking at SS Amp for Change of Pace

[Jack in Wilmington]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

[frenchmon]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

Congrats Jack. I hope it all works out for you. That Anthem is a fine amp. That Intergrated amp is loaded! Man...You should be able to run the Jolida through the 225 and still get a little tube warmness with more power....great!

And for the Retail listed price..even at that price it seems like you are getting a deal! Kindly let us know what you think.....Please give brief review.

[bobsticks]

Krell and Dynaudio have excellent synergy together and it will, in fact, be a presentation completely different to that of tubes.

[Feanor]

Why buy an integrated? Well, there are a couple of reasons, IMO.

1. Integrateds can cost significantly less that comparable separates, new or used
2. Integrateds will take up less space.

On the downside for a typical audiophile or enthusiast, an integrated offers less upgrade flexibility -- on each occassion that I've bought an integrated I've regretted it and it has ended up costing me as much as separates.


It's fun looking through Audiogon, (say), for integrateds; there are always of few of interest, e.g. these under $1500:

• Krell 400xi
• Krell 300i
• Musical Fidelity M3i
• Marantz AVR8003
• Arcam FMJ A38
• Bel Canto eVo2i -- I used to own one of these: very transparent, a tad cool; this is a bargain price.
• NAD C375BEE -- if you like NAD, ones I've heard sound overly warm in the mid-bass and not especially transparent
• Arcam FMJ A32 -- a good deal cheaper than the A38 above
• Cambridge Audio 840A -- this appeals to me in particular, esp. for the money

[harley .guy07]

Well if it is any comfort I love my Dynaudio's with my SS amp and Nuforce Preamp. It seems to have the power to be able to allow theme to breathe and bring out the best in them. I hope it does the trick for you and prove that Tubes don't fix everything and there are speakers out there that sound better without tubes being involved.

[harley .guy07]

If this does not help let me know because your speakers are not all that different from mine.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Thanks Harley. I have a 30 day trial on the amp. I figure that Peabody tried the Zu's, the JBL's and the Canton's before he found the Revels. I looked at reviews of my speakers just on the odd chance that it might give me a clue as to what might work. But as I thought, the reviewers used amps that were out of my league.

[Mr Peabody]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

[Ajani]

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

Have you tried the Dynaudio with your Anthem MCA20? If so, do you prefer the sound to the Jolida?

I suspect the Anthem integrated is basically the MCA 20 with a built in preamp...

[Enochrome]

Are you giving up on the Jolida? I too have a similar set up to yours and was thinking of going SS from a quality company. I wanted more frequency extension and faster transients. Although I am pleased with my Jolida I have had a reoccuring hum from the preamp tubes that are starting to annoy me.

Can't wait to read what you think of the Anthem and congrats on your new toy!!!! Will you do a comparison with the Anthem and the Jolida?

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not familiar with many Anthem power amps, I did hear a multichannel of theirs and it didn't give Paradigm Studios much slam. The kav-300i is alright but it's the least of all the Krell integrated amps. I've yet to hear an entegrated with the brute force krell puts in theirs. With 310 watts though hopefully the Anthem will have the 1.8's dancing.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Enochrome, I haven't given up on the Jolida. I just don't feel I'm getting all the headroom and air that I should be getting, especially on some rock and full orchestral music. I will listen to some of my so called "audition" music on the Jolida before I bring the Anthem into the mix.

Ajani, I didn't try the MCA 20 with the Dyns. The speaker wires coming out of the MCA 20 are set up for bi-wire and the Dyns aren't a bi-wire speaker. I know I could have done it fairly easily, but I just got lazy. I know that's no excuse, it's not like I have anything to do all day.

[texlle]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

[Hyfi]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I was gonna ask how that Jolida drove the 42s. As good as they are, there is only so much they can do.

I can tell you that they really perform with both my Stratos or Counterpoint NPS400 via all tube preamp, VAC. But, you are only going to get so much bass out of them.

Definitely worth a shot though, cause I know how good the 42s can sound as mains. Add a little sub and they become very believable.

They make awesome rears, which is what I use them for.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I know several members here have had excellent results with a tube pre and SS amp combo. Now your 42's will be an easier load on the 502 than my 1.8's were. A lot will depend on the type of music that you listen to. On accoustic music, jazz and some classical it will be a great match I would think.

[JohnMichael]

Congratulations Jack, the Anthem should give you what you have been missing. Clean power is a wonderful thing. The Krell really keeps a tight grip on the drivers and fills the room with music. I am sure your new amp will do the same thing. To my ears there is a certain sense of ease when the amp is not struggling to drive the speakers you have.

[frenchmon]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I have a hybrid system....tube preamp and SS amp @ 200 watts, and I can tell you its a wonderful system....My tube is not syrupy sweet, but Lively sweet. Its almost like ARC in its sound. I have never heard a Jolida but im sure its a great sound....you should try
a SS amp. Great slam....oh and before I forget...I once hooked the preamp to some Conrad Johnson tube mono blocks at 100 watts each driving some Dynaudio t2.5's and it drove the Dyns effortlessly.

[RGA]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

The 42 isn't exactly a bass champ to start with - higher power tends to lean out the sound (Bryston for example) and makes it punchy but they don't do depth very well.

I would look to a physically larger speaker (which tend to be more efficient) first and the upper powered tube amps second. Efficiency in a speaker has only advantages (except they tend to cost more to be done well) but there is no downside - you can run any amp, they have "generally" far superior dynamics and transient response (timing).

With LE speakers you generally have to run high power (worse sounding) amplifiers to get the speakers to operate but you end up being forced to listen to said high power (worse sounding) front end gear. If you don't run those amps and you run the low power class A amps (much better sounding) you can't hear it because they don't have the power to move the long throw woofer types. Buying the high watt (good sounding) amplifiers is ludicrously expensive. The gain in "grip" may easily be achieved over the 202a but possibly at the expensive of what the 202a is doing well. I would simply look at a speaker that doesn't make the 202a wheeze.

[texlle]

It really is difficult to choose which component to replace. I've found, in my experience, that many of the difficult drive speakers have a certain body and finesse that the lighter drive speakers don't, probably more quantitatively expressed in terms of dynamics and timing. Dynaudio and Thiel being two examples here. I have truly grown an affinity for the fluid and surreal upper range, the natural midrange and expansive three-dimensionality associated with the Dynaudio sound. In my opinion, the Jolida seems to emphasize these qualities twofold.

I will confess that I am the type of audio enthusiast who is adamant about extensive auditioning before I commit to such an important decision. I wish I had the liberty of whimsically buying and selling gear frequently until I reach a fair state of content, but unfortunately I do not have the time, resources, or patience. I tend to be very analytical of my gear and often find myself critiquing when I know I should be enjoying the music I listen to.

I did make what I'd call a risky move by purchasing a used Rotel receiver online having never been exposed to the Rotel house sound, but I have also never read such unanimous praise over an amp/speaker match than I have of the Rotel/B&W combo. Over the last couple of weeks, I have been highly impressed and feel that I have gained some confidence that allows me to experiment with foreign brands. Luckily, I have at my disposal a small, but superbly outfitted local hifi store, which allowed me to save a lot of time and energy by introducing me to brands like Arcam, Dynaudio, MF, Jolida. Brands whose characteristic sound I would never have experienced and thus would not likely buy if I hadn't been able to put them to the test before purchasing.

There is an audio expo coming to Jacksonville in March that won't arrive soon enough, since I've always wanted to go to one, but can never justify leaving town strictly to attend one. It's also spawned the idea that we really need more local hifi interest groups. Have a cookout, listen to some new gear. Do the same thing next month at the next guy's place. If the crowd's too large, or even if it isn't, you could even reserve a conference room at a hotel for a weekend once a year and bring your own stuff for others to experience. You'd just need to facilitate partition walls.

Ultimately, I foresee the Jolida getting the plug pulled. When I first really got into hifi when I was 16, and began to discover a world of audio outside of best buy and circuit city through hifi specialist retailers, I decided that I wanted to find the right speaker before I found the right amp. I'm growing more and more fond of staying within the Jolida family and feel that a simple boost in power is all this system needs. I may have to take another visit to my local hifi store and audition a jd 502 and jd1000. They both should suffice my need for more headroom and fuller bass output since this 2 channel sits in a small bedroom and is rarely rocked out. Bass depth can always be supplemented by a nice Sunfire super junior or any equivalent sub I may find. If I were to upgrade my dyns, it would likely be to a set of 52SE's or possibly Focus bookshelves. I would then likely sell the 42's, one of which unfortunately has minor cosmetic damage to the side of the baffle, which would surely compromise the selling price. However, I would like an amp with the capacity to get loud (and clean) on occasion. My task now is finding one that will fit the budget. All I can do now is save up, and peruse the used market for the right deal.

[harley .guy07]

yeah even if my budget allowed Wilsons I don't think I would like a speaker that big unless I had one hell of a big house and besides you have to build up your floors in your house for their bigger speakers since they weigh like 600 lbs a piece.

[frenchmon]

yeah even if my budget allowed Wilsons I don't think I would like a speaker that big unless I had one hell of a big house and besides you have to build up your floors in your house for their bigger speakers since they weigh like 600 lbs a piece.

Ah...come on harley...you mean you not want a pair of the smaller Wilsons like the Watt Puppy's or the Duette's? I'd take either if I had a chance.

[harley .guy07]

Ah...come on harley...you mean you not want a pair of the smaller Wilsons like the Watt Puppy's or the Duette's? I'd take either if I had a chance.

Maybe their smaller speakers would be fine but even their smaller models are larger sized compared to other brands out their. But when I hear something about Wilson's its usually about the Alexandria or another of their bigger models and if I was going to spend that much on a pair of speakers I think I would want to be able to hear every frequency that my ears will allow and would probably be the last speakers I would buy or at least for a couple of decades.

[vlastoc]

In recent times Anthem 225 interests me more and more.

It seems beating all the NADs except of Masters...

In Europe, new costs about 2000$ (1500€), what about the prices in America, please?

[Jack in Wilmington]

In recent times Anthem 225 interests me more and more.

It seems beating all the NADs except of Masters...

In Europe, new costs about 2000$ (1500€), what about the prices in America, please?

I paid $1200 for mine. List price is $1499 I believe.