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HeavyDistortion
03-18-2003, 05:38 AM
With this year's tax return money, I am thinking of purchasing a vintage tube receiver. I'll have about $500 to spend, and after doing some research, it looks like I'm leaning toward either a Scott 299 or 340B, or possibly a Fisher a 500C or 800C. I will hopefully be using this receiver with my 1976 Klipsch Cornwall speakers, my Sony ES555 SACD player, and my Pioneer DVD-A player; I'm hoping that the receiver will handle both of these playback units. I listen to mainly older rock music and need to know if a tube receiver will suit my needs for a warmer, smoother sound and a deeper and warmer bass sound. Any suggestions or opinions will be appreciated.




Thanks,

Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
Cafe Jeff
03-18-2003, 02:00 PM
Should sound great.
The only problems I forsee are that you may need to hold a bit of money back to have the reciever properly serviced. (This is almost always the case.) And that some of the older receivers seem to have overly sensitive inputs in relation to modern source components. With those speakers, bass shouldn't be a problem. Jeff
HeavyDistortion
03-18-2003, 02:30 PM
Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. I'm currently thinking about purchasing a Scott 299, which has already been properly serviced/restored. I'll have to spend more money than I originally intended, but I think that it will be well worth the extra dollars.




Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
Cafe Jeff
03-19-2003, 08:06 AM
No problem.
I almost guarantee that spending the extra dollars to buy a properly refurbished amp (if you can't do the work) is the right thing to do. Happy listening, and let people know how you make out. Jeff
ZIPGUN99
03-19-2003, 12:59 PM
My recent experience (I am a total tube newbie, so this is not the voice of experience speaking:D):

In October I bought klipsch heresy's to replace some 20+ year old magnepan speakers. I always admired Klipsch speakers. I had the same yamaha solid state amp for years, and records sounded great thru the heresys. Nice natural high end, especially.
But CD's sounded funny. A lot had this sort of "processed" sound. I don't know how to describe it. some CD's were downright harsh, too. Something in the speaker horns brought it out, I guess.

A few weeks back, I sprung for a used integrated tube amp on audiogon, and there was a big difference in the way CD's sound. I wouldn't exactly say it "warmed" up the sound, but it took away the oddness for sure.

I think the bass is a little bit better, but heresys are sort of known for being light in the bass, anyways.

The klipsch forum might have something relevant.
Steve Hoffman
03-19-2003, 01:10 PM
Bob,

You do realize that your klipsch speakers are now "honking" everything up a bit, right?
Cafe Jeff
03-19-2003, 01:31 PM
Hi,
I have never had occasion to listen to Klipsch, having developed a liking for Tannoy. Do they really honk as their detractors maintain? Jeff
ZIPGUN99
03-19-2003, 01:34 PM
By honking, you mean the in-your-face quality of the speakers? I just had a friend over here complaining about them. or you mean the tube amp is doing something?
Steve Hoffman
03-19-2003, 01:56 PM
No, the Klipsch midrange horn. Put your hands over your mouth like a horn and speak. Now, take them away, see?

I'm not dissing Klipsch, but most older folks have a midrange dip in their hearing and the "horn" sounds perfect to them, but it's not a neutral speaker.

Try running some pink noise through there and stand back!
HeavyDistortion
03-19-2003, 02:26 PM
Steve,

Having just turned 51 several months ago, maybe I have that midrange dip in my hearing, but I think that my 1976 Cornwalls sound fine. I did make a deal for a 1963 Scott 299D integrated tube amplifier, and should receive it in about 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to hearing music through tubes in the near future.




Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
Steve Hoffman
03-19-2003, 02:33 PM
Like I said, it's a choice.

Most studios going back to the dawn of time have horn monitors. Most music was recorded and mixed on them.
ZIPGUN99
03-19-2003, 02:45 PM
Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
but most older folks have a midrange dip in their hearing and the "horn" sounds perfect to them, but it's not a neutral speaker.


No, I realize that the "horns" aren't neutral, that they color the
sound. The megaphone is an apt anology. I love the way brass and reeds sound on them, though.
Midrange dip? Could be. I drive an hour to westchester county NY and an hour back everyday. I always wonder if the constant exposure to noise will affect my hearing.
HeavyDistortion
03-19-2003, 02:49 PM
Steve,

Thanks for your replies; and I do appreciate your honesty. I do believe that the Scott 299D can run multiple sets of speakers, so I may also reconnect my 1981 Polk 10B monitors, which I've always thought sounded decent, and do some comparisons. It's very possible that some music will sound better on the Klipsch Cornwalls and that other music will sound better on the Polks. I'm looking forward to finding out.




Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
Steve Hoffman
03-19-2003, 03:05 PM
Have fun. One set of speakers is never enough.

I always keep horns around, just for the impact!
HeavyDistortion
03-20-2003, 09:01 AM
Steve,

I also wanted to mention that I am purchasing my Scott 299D from Charlie Kittleson at Vacuum Tube Valley; and I've seen on another thread, that you highly recommend him. Your recommendation and other recommendations that I've seen on the internet, are what led me to Charlie. I've spoken to him several times in the last few days, and he really knows his business, and I feel very comfortable in puchasing a tube amplifier from him.




Thanks Again,

Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
Steve Hoffman
03-20-2003, 09:17 AM
Charlie's a good guy. You'll like the 299; very musical sounding.
sgb
03-20-2003, 11:23 AM
Have you ever thought about buying a reconditioned, slightly updated Fisher 400 receiver that even comes with a factory warranty? It sells for $900 (free freight in the USA). Go to the link below and click on Fisher 400 receiver for the details.

http://www.2baudio.com/
Ronflugelguy
03-20-2003, 11:39 AM
Hey check out those those speaker connector conversions for vintage equipement! Just what i need for the MAC!:cool:Keeps your vintage unit vintage and connected properly!
HeavyDistortion
03-20-2003, 02:58 PM
sgb,

I did consider the Fisher, but I really don't need a receiver, so I decided to go with the Scott 299D, which is an integrated tube amp. From the research that I did, the Fishers also seem to have made some excellent tube amplifiers/receivers. In fact, I did check out the Bizzy Bee site, and it does look like he knows his Fisher tube equipment.





Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion
jeff e.
03-20-2003, 05:24 PM
Originally posted by HeavyDistortion
In fact, I did check out the Bizzy Bee site, and it does look like his knows his Fisher tube equipment.


He certainly does! I know Paul at Bizzy Bee and have heard these receivers in person--beautiful, beautiful sound. :love:

He's a genuinely nice guy too. His shop is only about 5 miles away and I try to stop by whenever I get a chance, just to shoot the breeze about classic hi-fi.
sgb
03-20-2003, 05:32 PM
Originally posted by jeff e.


He certainly does! I know Paul at Bizzy Bee and have heard these receivers in person--beautiful, beautiful sound. :love:

He's a genuinely nice guy too. His shop is only about 5 miles away and I try to stop by whenever I get a chance, just to shoot the breeze about classic hi-fi.

Hey Jeff,

Let us know when he gets those Cayin Integrateds in from Germany.
jeff e.
03-21-2003, 05:11 PM
Originally posted by sgb


Hey Jeff,

Let us know when he gets those Cayin Integrateds in from Germany.

Will do. I think they're from China, actually. Should be very nice!