Best amp for JBL 4338 ?

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04-16-2009, 10:11 AM
caladois

1 Attachment(s)

Best amp for JBL 4338 ?

My amp set up start to date now and I am afraid I will have to upgrade soon.

At the moment I used a french JDF-AUDIO amplifier model HQS2400 upm. this unit offer 200w per chanel and is dated 1994. 15 years means that components are tired !

I was thinking to purchase a new one or what else ?
on first or second hand any way. I wish the budget do not exceed 10000$

JMF-AUDIO model HQS6002
HALCRO model DM38
MARK LEVINSON model 431

Do you think thazt's crazy money ? You must consider that the JDF-AUDIO amplifier is an oldest version of the JMF-AUDIO
04-16-2009, 10:18 AM
hjames

What do you think? Is it cheaper to find a newer unit (used) with unknown problems, or,
to pay someone to go through your existing amp and refresh it by replacing aging components (usually caps)??

Quote:

Originally Posted by caladois

My amp set up start to date now and I am afraid I will have to upgrade soon.

At the moment I used a french JDF-AUDIO amplifier model HQS2400 upm. this unit offer 200w per chanel and is dated 1994. 15 years means that components are tired !
04-16-2009, 08:35 PM
grumpy

Reno Hi-Fi :)
04-17-2009, 12:09 AM
caladois

Pass labs is an other alternative as well.
04-17-2009, 07:04 AM
grumpy

Yes, that was the primary point... :) Not necessarily buying new was the other point.
04-17-2009, 03:26 PM
Ian Mackenzie

Reno Hifi does not ship outside the USA

You can use just about any amp on those speakers.

It really comes down to how much $$ you want to part out.
04-19-2009, 06:29 AM
Ralph856

I heard of someone running 4338's with a Berning ZH-270 and the combination was meant to be stunning. Available second-hand for under £3k.

Did you get your 4338's imported from Japan or find them in Europe?
04-21-2009, 11:57 AM
macaroonie

Levinson

I was under the impresion that the factory used levinson for development work.
That would be my first port of call. Got to leave em switched on though , they take a long time to settle especially the preamps.
04-21-2009, 01:49 PM
grumpy

Quote:

I was under the impresion that the factory used levinson for development work.

Why would they not? In-house line, least likely to be questioned. I have some of the
Proceed amps, which at one time was the A/V-emphasized arm of Madrigal Labs
(another arm being Levinson), ... and they still do a respectable job, if not as high
on the visual drool-factor-scale.

Levinson is certainly another worthwhile choice, if your budget is in that part of the stratosphere :)
04-23-2009, 02:57 AM
richluvsound

MSB & ASR Emitter,Boulder,etc,etc

I have both these sitting here . I have the MSB mono blocks that I used in the Hifi Show at Heathrow. The Emitter ASR II Exclusive.

I'm re-designing the MSB gear for them .

I can arrange for you to demo and compare: Passlabs,Boulder,Jeff Rowland,MSB, ASR Emmiter. All of these will come under your budget.

I have the 4345's ,so comparisons could be closer to your speakers.

Good luck on your quest.

Rich
04-23-2009, 06:15 AM
jomina

Quote:

Originally Posted by caladois

this unit offer 200w per chanel and is dated 1994. 15 years means that components are tired

They're barely run-in. Get them serviced by the manu and run them for another 15~20 years. My Sansui integrated is getting on for 25 years old and works (and measures) fine. Leave the audiophoolia at the door...
FWIW, the best sounding 4343s I ever heard were run with a Technics 1210 and a very mid-range Sansui integrated.
The really important component was the owner's world-class collection of 60s/70s soul, jazz and funk.
04-23-2009, 01:33 PM
jblnut

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomina

They're barely run-in. Get them serviced by the manu and run them for another 15~20 years. My Sansui integrated is getting on for 25 years old and works (and measures) fine. Leave the audiophoolia at the door...
FWIW, the best sounding 4343s I ever heard were run with a Technics 1210 and a very mid-range Sansui integrated.
The really important component was the owner's world-class collection of 60s/70s soul, jazz and funk.

Hear Hear !!!

It's about the music after all. If you've got more into your gear than your music collection, well, maybe your priorities are not where they need to be...

The best amp for the 4338 is the one *you* think sounds best. Maybe it's a 40 year old tube amp, a 20-year old integrated, or some modern eye-candy audiophile stuff. Let your ears decide, not us. But do tell us what you ended up with so we can be sure to put that on our audition lists the next time we're in the same boat.

For the record, I do not think a 15 year old amp is anywhere near close to worn-out or tired unless it used sub-standard components.

jblnut
04-23-2009, 04:54 PM
MikeBrewster77

Quote:

Originally Posted by jblnut

If you've got more into your gear than your music collection, well, maybe your priorities are not where they need to be...

:hmm: ... gonna need a calculator for this one. Yup - gonna be close. Now does this include all gear I've ever purchased, or just the current set-ups???

You make a very compelling point, though personally I prefer not to think about how much exactly I've spent on either the gear or the music collection... :wasnt-me:

Best,
- Mike
04-23-2009, 05:41 PM
Allanvh5150

The two big amps in my setup are 25 years old, were purchased for about a tenth of the price of when they were new and they have never been touched. Still going strong!:)

Allan.

p.s. dont just presume they are getting tired. If you like them, get them serviced.
04-24-2009, 12:05 PM
caladois

Thanks for comments. So, all I need is to test differents amps on my set up
04-24-2009, 01:52 PM
macaroonie

I have bad news for you

Sadly when you start talking high value amplifiers you will find that the dealers will be pretty reluctant to let you just walk out with a demo unit. Most will want at least a credit card ' purchase ' before they let you away with a demo. Problem is that if you do not like what they have on offer you will mostly find that they get a bit huffy and the relationship is going downhill.
I think you will need to do some legwork around your better quality dealers and try to narrow things down. It IS going to be confusing but I am sure you will find something out of the blue that will ring your bell.
At that stage I would suggest taking your boys into the dealer , they will be interested too you know , and it is also a sign to them that you are not just a tire kicker.
I hope you have an enlightening experience. :)

Mac
04-27-2009, 06:23 PM
Ralph856

Quote:

Originally Posted by macaroonie

Problem is that if you do not like what they have on offer you will mostly find that they get a bit huffy and the relationship is going downhill.

I can relate to that eventual (or not so eventual) state of affairs. Insightful post!
05-08-2009, 04:36 AM
caladois

I had contacts with Threshold audio Inc, and their S/350e reissue amp seem te be a good deal -whatever it is built in China-

This unit is 2x150w per channel. It should match my speakers.
05-09-2009, 08:59 AM
macaroonie

2 Attachment(s)

S350

If they have maintained the quality that the originals had then you are in for a treat. Great amps and wonderful build quality. What is the price for these ?
05-13-2009, 08:54 AM
caladois

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I asked Kevin Lee of Threshold Audio Inc, and unfortunately, the S350e reissue is not on production at the moment. He invite me to look at the S/5000e amplifier which is 250w/8ohms per channel.
It look great. Any review or experience on the forum ?
05-15-2009, 10:40 AM
caladois

Ordered !:)
05-28-2009, 12:38 PM
caladois

1 Attachment(s)

The amp arrived this morning.

It look great. Music is playing. I prefer a delay of couple hours before giving my opinion.
First thing, it is very quiet, and not that warm when operating.
05-28-2009, 12:45 PM
4313B

It sure looks nice! :applaud:
05-28-2009, 02:24 PM
yggdrasil

Definitely very good looking.
05-28-2009, 04:38 PM
jblnut

It would look better with some nice analog meters (imho) :).

Congrats on what is sure to be a beatiful sounding amp just the same!

jblnut
05-28-2009, 04:40 PM
macaroonie

Yup

Looks lovely , give it a few days to run in and it will sound great I'm certain.:D
05-29-2009, 12:23 PM
caladois

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The wide range is real compare to my old 12 years old amplifiers. You are right, the amp run better day after day.
05-31-2009, 09:02 AM
tom1040

A person on Audio Review gives great reviews for a Mcintosh MC 402 for his/hers JBL 4338.
05-31-2009, 09:19 AM
caladois

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I knew that JBL was oftenly associated with Mcintosh amplifier. But, my knowledge show me that response of Mcintosh was a bit too smooth in my mind.
My last experience with a vintage MC2600 was a desaster.
05-31-2009, 09:48 AM
tom1040

I hope mine is better. I just bought ( from Audiogon ) the MC 402 & C46. They will be hooked up with JBL S2600 speakers. For better or worse, that will be it for now as we are buying some investment property in Florida. Marantz SACD will be finish the arangement.
08-08-2009, 03:54 AM
caladois

1 Attachment(s)

That's 2 months now, and I am very happy with the sound delivered.
Full 15 inch controlled,, nice dynamic and full details. This amp is a good value.
08-08-2009, 06:42 AM
4313B

Quote:

Originally Posted by caladois

That's 2 months now, and I am very happy with the sound delivered.

:)
10-25-2009, 09:02 AM
caladois

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Now I am improving my new Nikon camera. I prefer without the flash.
10-25-2009, 10:30 AM
ratitifb

Quote:

Originally Posted by caladois

I prefer without the flash.

what about the horizontal plane :D
10-25-2009, 10:58 AM
caladois

that will be the next step.:banghead:
10-28-2009, 08:17 AM
tom1040

Are those speaker stands custom made or can one purchase them? Do they make a difference in sound? I love those speakers!!!!!!!
Thanks!
10-28-2009, 08:41 AM
caladois

I believe you are joking (concerning speakers stand). These were custom medium head from a previous system ( Le85 + hl horn and 2405). I am waiting for a real wood custom stand.
Stephane
10-28-2009, 09:03 AM
tom1040

No, I was not joking. I am truely interested in how they 'help' the sound, if at all. Do those speakers NEED to be on a stand?
02-28-2010, 09:17 AM
caladois

I may have (probably) a good deal around my location for a vintage MARK-LEVINSON n°29. Is it a good value ? I will try to test it at home if the seller doesn't mind...
Any one had experience combining JBL and Mark Levinson ?
02-28-2010, 09:58 AM
Chas

ML preamps yes.
02-28-2010, 10:02 AM
caladois

ML n°29 is a power amp :)
08-30-2010, 09:31 AM
unlimitedquest

MC 2600 disater

Quote:

Originally Posted by caladois

I knew that JBL was oftenly associated with Mcintosh amplifier. But, my knowledge show me that response of Mcintosh was a bit too smooth in my mind.
My last experience with a vintage MC2600 was a desaster.

Hi
Yes I know this post is quite old but you know ...always looking for tips...;)
Just being the brand new owner of a Mcintosh MC-2600...I would like you to be more specific about this bad experience of yours...I´m feeding my 4344 MkII with it...
08-30-2010, 09:45 AM
caladois

In fact, at that time, the MC2600 doesn't support the comparaison with two mono Accuphase amps. Less speed, a bit too smooth in my mind. It sound great sure, but not enough natural. I repet, that's a long time now. Don't worry, that will matched with your 4344mk2.
05-06-2011, 01:08 AM
caladois

1 Attachment(s)

Well I moved or jumped for a magical amp.Attachment 51261
It will be very difficult to come back to Threshold as the sound is more precise smooth and open. I can't remember having such music and audio pleasure at home, except may be 10 years ago with Mark Levinson ML2 driving my Altec 604-E
The Threshold looks harsh and crispy. The 10 first minuts are enjoyable, but for a long listening session it become tiring.

I believe my set up (speaker and amp) won't changed before a long time. For the rest it's an another story.

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