The Cashew Tree, added all my dream equipment over the years.The dream started when I followed my DAD to a hifi shop which had the JBL Paragon age 10yrs 1965 that dream was a long way to start.
First, let me say what a beautiful array of vintage equipment. I don't think there is a single piece that doesn't bring back memories of the days of some of the best equipment made. Second, I want to ask a question about your Empire Grenadier 8000P's. It involves something that has always confused me. On the back of the cabinet, there are 6 small ports. I've seen 8000P's with all sorts of configurations with regards to these ports. Some have all six ports plugged with a small plastic cap. Others have them all open and still others have every other combination of them plugged and un-plugged. Do you know what they are for and how or why you would use them, plugged versus un-plugged? Are they to be all removed, all installed or some combination based on speaker placement? Thanks!
I still enjoy visiting your system page. You and I have a similar approach.
I love my MC240 and find it to be extremely transparent - but I have completely rebuilt it and thrown out all those worn out 50 year old caps and rectifiers. That amp on my Avantgarde speakers is the cleanest and clearest amp I've ever heard, whether tube or solid-state.
I fully agree with you that very-high-efficiency speakers are the only way to go. You just never get enough dynamic range and headroom with a low-efficiency speaker, no matter how powerful the amps driving them are. I'll never be able to have anything but horns now that I've got a pair in my music room.
Hi! Scott, Yes you said that right. I have problems in pushing the JBL Paragon with tube equipment I was reading on one of the old JBL lit and found that they used a SS JBL amp as a self power.So I fix my dads Mac MC2105 and it sound good for experiment I bought the Mac Mc2120 was not as good as the MC2105. And by luck I had a friend who wanted money and he sold me dirt cheap a Mac MC1201 mono bloc Oh! that set the beast rolling.In the past when I heard the JBL for the first time in Japan they used a Single ended 300B it sound ok on the mids but nothing on the low end.And I did not understand why the japs die over this speaker it sound terriable.I still prefer the mighty Khorns,Belle,La salla. on Cary 300B and newly equire Dynaco SA-35 and the Klipsch for money value it even bet the JBL DD66000 Everest which I had purchase 2 weeks ago. If you like could send photos. Anyway Thanks for looking. Regards. Joseph
Thanks for your opinion on the awesome vintage gear. There often seems to be a little reservation on the Mc gear, and folks really like the Marantz gear but you need high effeciency speakers to make it work imho.
Hi! Scott, Yes there is a differents in sound between the Mac and Marantz. The older/newer tube/SS mac has that vail in it's sound character and power, the Marantz tube is more transparent but lacks the kick punch on the lower end. Hope this helps out. Regards. Joe Lazaroo
Hi! Lewpt, Sorry for the late responce,I did not notice this posting. Any way to answer to your question.In short hands down I would prefer the Khorn it has a wide dynamics and very open sound which you hear details.That is using single ended amp Cary SE300B mono bloc.On the Paragon you hear this detail only if you use the higher power amp which I have recently purchase Mac MC1201.What I have found is it takes just a watt of power to produce 120dB. For the Paragon it's 96dB at a watt.The JBL sounds more compress. My explaination is on CD you have a dynamic of more than 100dB. You need a speaker which can produce that range in low power rating. If your speaker is just 96dB you need to push it harder to get that kind of dynamics. But your speaker soon goes close to distortion. I have also recently purchase the JBL DD66000 speaker and what a waste of money, in money wise the Khorn is still the best for money value. Hope this helps. Thank You. Joe Lazaroo
a fantastic collection. collecting 'the classics' adds another layer of satisfaction to the hobby of audio. nothing compares to the oldies-but-goodies.
Mcgarick, Thanks for looking at my system.My Empire 8000P when used with the Sansui AU-111 it sound great that was the original when I first heared it on my dad's system. When he purchased it in 1965 X'mas eve.
Joseph, what a great system, it brings back memories of when I first became exposed to the good stuff. Which I bet still sound fantastic. A treat for the eyes and ears. Glen
Wow, great system! I just picked up a pair of Empire Grenadier 8200 speakers at a thrift store, I was -1 years old when they were made. These sound VERY good, I was totaly shocked when I hooked them up for a listen. Thanks for sharing pictures of your wonderful gear. Cheers, mcgarick
Superhonestben, Glad you like my system. The best Mac amp for the Klipschorn is the MC225 very sweet Mids and Highs but lack the body which is Bass For over all the Mac MC275 / MC275 Re-Issue is also good. The ultimate best I have heard is the SUN 2A3 or 300Bs. Hope this advise will be of interest Ben.
