What best amp to drive Everest DD55000

[jfrou]

I'm a french owner of a pair of JBL EVEREST DD55000.
I'm driving my DD5000 since 3 years now with a tube amp, Mcintosh MC225 with good pleasure until now. Nevertheless, some JBL french addicts are claiming that I could achieve better results with solid state amps (good quality ones!). I made several tries in the past with Mc (such as MC2255, 7270) but also Onkyo M577 or Parasound 2200 mkII but I always came back to the MC225 as for the great mid and highs, the breathability and the scene.
I need to admit that I would sometimes appreciate to get stronger and better filled bass/medium but don"t want to loose the quality of the highs coming from the 225.
Some suggested Krell KSA... but prices and warmth are making me relunctant.
My room is a dedicated one with only 16 sq/m.
Any ideas, suggestions and experiences would help me a lot.:banghead:

[grumpy]

What might you easily try of local flavor? Atoll AM100?

[LuvOldJBL]

The McIntosh 225 is not going to give you the bass that you appear to desire. So, move onto a McIntosh MC-275 and you will be done. If you want more power (with the sonic difference) then consider a McIntosh MC-2102, using KT88 tubes. http://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/704mac/ You could try to search for a long time for 2 mono-block MC-75s and you will find a pair of MC-60s (which are quite good). I love MC-60s, but your best bet will be the McIntosch MC-275. Of the tube amps I've heard of that actually deliver in clean bass, along with the usual great mids and highs are: McIntosh MC-60s, McIntosh MC-75s, McIntosh MC-275 and oddly enough... the Fisher 500C tube receiver does a good job. (But, at 35 wpc, the Fisher 500C may be anemic for your speakers. http://stereophile.com/historical/605fisher/)

Trying a McIntosh 2255 is okay from one school of thought, but another school of thought opines the 2300 and 2205 as being more musical. This comes down to opinions. I do not have comment for your other attempts, because I have not personally heard those. However, of the solid state McIntosh gear, I prefer the 2205 which cause speakers to seem more "alive!" and one does hear "everything".

Your room is somewhat small for what you are running, but you will hear an improved difference with the recommendations. Cheers!

[jfrou]

Which versions of the 275?? the "old" vintage MC275? or the recent MK versions? as sonically, they sound quite different.
Regarding the MC60's, I tried them but sold them as I was not fully happy with the whole balance VS the 225. The point was that those MC60's had been completely recapped by Audio Classics (very well, but recapped) and sonically I was not convinced.
At least, good to hear that some are like me, convinced that tube amps can match with Everest !

[jfrou]

What might you easily try of local flavor? Atoll AM100?

Good to hear...

I have to say that I even did not think about this brand...

[LuvOldJBL]

Which versions of the 275?? the "old" vintage MC275? or the recent MK versions? as sonically, they sound quite different.
Regarding the MC60's, I tried them but sold them as I was not fully happy with the whole balance VS the 225. The point was that those MC60's had been completely recapped by Audio Classics (very well, but recapped) and sonically I was not convinced.
At least, good to hear that some are like me, convinced that tube amps can match with Everest !

I have heard the classic 1960s version, but have not heard the new re-issue. I've heard different opinions of the two which compels me to say that it will depend upon you. Old 275s were driving old JBL horns and woofers quite well, and I've heard them with later made JBL studio monitors - very good! You had an interesting experience with the 60s that is regrettable, possibly a bad tube. The 225 has a following for its sweetness. You may wish to ask JBL and McIntosh - and it would be interesting to hear what they suggest. Good luck!

[jerry_rig]

While I'm sure McIntosh makes some fine amps, there are many other brands that sound as good or better. As your friend suggests, you may be doing yourself a favor by looking into some modern solid state amps. Personally, I like the big Krells. And my KSA-300s does not run hot at all. In fact it barely gets warm. With something like that, or the Krell FPB series, or one of the large Mark Levinson amps or Halcro amps.... I think you'll be surprised at how they can open up your Everests.

[Mctwins]

Hi
Mono MC275 is a better alternative than one MC275 for your speakers.

The best way is to run them in bi-amp mode, one MC275 for the top and solid for the bottom and a active crossover. Then you have the best of two world.

Thanks

[jfrou]

Hi
Mono MC275 is a better alternative than one MC275 for your speakers.

The best way is to run them in bi-amp mode, one MC275 for the top and solid for the bottom and a active crossover. Then you have the best of two world.

Thanks

the DD55000 are not built to be bi-ampliefed

[tom1040]

I used a McIntosh MC402 (solid state) with JBL S/2600 "mini-everest' with great sucess.:bouncy:

[Mctwins]

Hi
Ok, didin't know that. I just read the specs for the DD55000.

According to the specs the recommended amp power is 250W, the the MC252 is a great choice, if you want solid. I have great result both with my MC275 and MC252.
Good luck in your search.
Thanks

[scarpi]

Well since your in France how about YBA. They make some great gear although I don't know how well they would work with your JBLs.

[rj2077]

i highly suggest you try a good class A amp. i power mine with an Aleph 5 from nelson pass. i tried several tube amps i own, but they sounded best with the aleph. I bought an Aleph 3 and moved up to the 5. try it, you will be glad you did. i use the aleph P as the pre amp.

regards,

[yggdrasil]

I am very pleased with Nelson Pass constructions on JBL. So you could look at First Watt F5 and J2(the F5 is tighter in the bass and more forward in the mid/hf). They are only 25wpc, so an alternative if you are looking for more power are e.g. PassLabs XA160.

The older Aleph's rj2077 mentioned are very much worth trying.

[LuvOldJBL]

If you have $9,000 U.S., you may want to audition a pair of Manley Neo-Classic 250s. You have some very good suggestions. Now it comes to your ears and wallet. Good luck!

[jfrou]

If you have $9,000 U.S., you may want to audition a pair of Manley Neo-Classic 250s. You have some very good suggestions. Now it comes to your ears and wallet. Good luck!

The ears could certainly accept them but the wallet....:D

[jfrou]

I am very pleased with Nelson Pass constructions on JBL. So you could look at First Watt F5 and J2(the F5 is tighter in the bass and more forward in the mid/hf). They are only 25wpc, so an alternative if you are looking for more power are e.g. PassLabs XA160.

The older Aleph's rj2077 mentioned are very much worth trying.

Let's have a look on PassLabs...

Some people also suggested PLINIUS amps. Any comments?

[Loren42]

Quad 909.

[robertbartsch]

I grew up in the time before solid state electronics so, over the years, I have expereinced many quality and mediocore tube amps. Personnaly, I would not give two pence (cents) for a tube amp today; there are too many good reasons to go with SS.

A good SS amp with at least 200wpc will make these puppies sing!

[rj2077]

for under $1000 you can have the aleph 3. for $1500 you can have the aleph 5. for $2500-300 you can buy the aleph 2 (mono-blocks). trust me. i tried many tube amps, some vintage (refurbished) and other new ones: 300 B's, 6550's, EL 34's, tri-ode, pentode.... and on and on..... nothing made the horn and tweeter sound so good as the pass amps. sure the bass was lacking, but that woofer was not made to go sown that low.
I use a B-460 to cover anything below 150Hz with my set up. i tried threshold, krell and others. now they only drive the B-460...

regards,

[jfrou]

The Pass items seem to take the lead ;)

[keeratikul]

I will be the owner of these beast in the next couple of weeks. I have several amps to try but I am using Audio Reseach D 200 Mk II. I hope they will make good pair.

[ronaltronics]

Did you buy those beasties new, And how long have you owned them.

Well how about a classic amplifier.

Classe DR-3 and run them mono. One for each DD55000.

Vintage JBL Everest / Vintage Classe mono blocks.............

[richluvsound]

Quad 909.

Owned them for about 2 weeks ... absolutely nothing to offer a 15 inch woofer ! no where near enough power I found the sound flat and boring . Great if you just want background muzak !

just a once owners opinion ...



Pass Labs all the way

Rich

[caladois]

In fact, the DD55000 is not that hard to drive. It appears that a lot of models should work with, but will they perform ?
Personnally, I wouldn't go for Mcintosh. What is your budget ?

Mc cormack, Bryston, Threshold audio or Perreaux could be excellent midline values.
In High end, the choice is larger, but the money too ...

[keeratikul]

I am bit confused what to do with these speaker. With the major reason that my everest is still a custom seaport. I will not be able to have them in my roon in the next 2 wks. As the sensitivity is very high. So it sound like only 45 tube, or my quad II should be more than enough. But some comment prefer kickass amplifier. I will be able to get Alph 0 monoblock at US$ 3,000. Worth to try ?

Oh ! one more thing, I am from Thailand, Asia. This speaker i import second hand from Korea.

[JoeNelis]

While I'm sure McIntosh makes some fine amps, there are many other brands that sound as good or better. As your friend suggests, you may be doing yourself a favor by looking into some modern solid state amps. Personally, I like the big Krells. And my KSA-300s does not run hot at all. In fact it barely gets warm. With something like that, or the Krell FPB series, or one of the large Mark Levinson amps or Halcro amps.... I think you'll be surprised at how they can open up your Everests.

I would have too agree, I run a krell 300s on my everest's and sounds great !!
Krell preamp and wadia 23 cd sounds nice.... But I am considering Macintosh 501 mono
Blocks, very impressive !! Spend the money on good quality amps worth the effort in my opinion, just my personal thoughts ...

[richluvsound]

Pass is very good value for money .... reliable , beautiful and amazing sound !

[keeratikul]

The speaker delivered today. I tried to driver them with ARC D 200 Mk II. Um... so far so good...:banghead:

[tom1040]

I have grown quite fond of my (new to me) Marantz MA9S2 mono blocks.:bouncy:

[grumpy]

Um... so far so good...:banghead:

Either there is a typo above, you are a masochist, or I just plain don't understand.

I'm guessing you are not pleased with the result of the ARC D200 + Everest DD55000
pairing... but :dont-know:

[keeratikul]

Well I expect a little bit more with this pair. I expect the result will be better with QUAD II. I will post the result accordingly.

[keeratikul]

I just audited the speaker with open the upper grill, and drive by QUAD II. The sound is good indeed.

[keeratikul]

I will have Aleph 0 to try this week. For the time being, I am driving this speaker with KT 88 push - pull with very good result.

FYI, I tested with push pull 211 tube. But i was disappoint with the result.

[keeratikul]

Aleph 0 is working very good with my DD 55000. Thanks for some previous comments recommending this PASS LABS. I think I will stick to this set up for a while. :)

[richluvsound]

Aleph 0 is working very good with my DD 55000. Thanks for some previous comments recommending this PASS LABS. I think I will stick to this set up for a while. :)

I'm happy your happy ..... Nelson Pass has designed some very fine Class A amps . I guess one could spend a life time exploring his work and ideas.


I have found a Pass pre-amp really pulls it altogether for me .


Rich

[keeratikul]

I have found a Pass pre-amp really pulls it altogether for me .
Um.. Interesting. Now I am using convergent CAT SL 1 as the preamp. It works ok too. Let's see if I am able to find someone who can lend me this preamp.

[escultor]

Hi I drive my everest usually with Carver kt88 monoblocks but I had use them with
Akai single ended monoblocks and with 6c33 amp in triode mode
In the ss department I have Yamaha MX 10000 and Technics SE-A 7000 (balanced)
I like the fact that you can drive them with almost anything due the high eficency 100Db
they are as sensitive as my Lowthers.. god for flea powered amps AND powerfull ones
Regards

[garys computers]

I'm a french owner of a pair of JBL EVEREST DD55000.
I'm driving my DD5000 since 3 years now with a tube amp, Mcintosh MC225 with good pleasure until now. Nevertheless, some JBL french addicts are claiming that I could achieve better results with solid state amps (good quality ones!). I made several tries in the past with Mc (such as MC2255, 7270) but also Onkyo M577 or Parasound 2200 mkII but I always came back to the MC225 as for the great mid and highs, the breathability and the scene.
I need to admit that I would sometimes appreciate to get stronger and better filled bass/medium but don"t want to loose the quality of the highs coming from the 225.
Some suggested Krell KSA... but prices and warmth are making me relunctant.
My room is a dedicated one with only 16 sq/m.
Any ideas, suggestions and experiences would help me a lot.:banghead: I would trie a Crown Macro Reference amp. It has a 20.000 dampining factor for unreal speaker control. I pick one up from a dealer on the East coast for $2800 and sold it years later for $2400 retail was $4200 at the time. Sorry I sold it now with money tight I cant afford. Never heard the highs sound so well and bass is extremely tight. Hope this helps.