Chris,
I've heard conflicting reports of the NuForce amps.... some like it, some dislike it.
Joey
Yeah... it's definitely a love it or hate it relationship.
I think Jerry (DrJRapp) has some experience with the NuForce amps.... and he owns Summits. He should be able to give you better insight.
Joey
Jerr....
You say the NuForce image INTO the room? Spooky....
That's what I like.
Joey
Chris,
If you decide to go the solid state amp route, you should consider a tube preamp. ML speakers tend to be on the analytical side. If you want solid state, Plinius is a good choice. I was impressed with the amp's ability to reproduce timbre--not many solid state amps do that. You may also look for a used Warner Imaging amp.
Just be sure that what you are calling "timbre" isn't the harmonic distortion inherent in many tube amps that give them a false sense of warmth.
I too like and use a tube preamp a BAT VK31SE, but it is very clean, with little or no added harmonics.
Very few modern (last ten or so years) tube units exhibit the added harmonics you describe. The circuit design and parts quality and especially trafo design have moved tube components more towards the "neutrality" of SS w/o losing the harmonic integrity that only tubes can maintain IMO.
Very few modern (last ten or so years) tube units exhibit the added harmonics you describe. The circuit design and parts quality and especially trafo design have moved tube components more towards the "neutrality" of SS w/o losing the harmonic integrity that only tubes can maintain IMO.
If you don't mind, please explain what you mean by "harmonic integrity"? I've done extensive auditions with tube amps from the likes of VTL, BAT, MAC, Rogue and Belles and they all exhibited midrange harmonic "bloom" to some degree or another, and I believe that's what gives them their unique character. If not so, why bother with the low power, the expense, the heat, and the cost of tube replacement. 9 out of ten "tubies" I've spoken with do so for the ability to "tune" their system by tube rolling...utilizing the distinct harmonic distortion character of different tubes to their advantage.
Not all SS amps have that "potential hardness" you mention. The NuForce Ref9s (bringing us back on topic) are amazing as they don't have either digital or SS edge, but rather have a smoothness and presentation that is somewhat tube like, while maintaining the clarity and having the power that similarly priced tube amps lack. If one likes a more forward presentation, them I would give the NuForce a shot.
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