Amps for Isobariks? 135, Klout or another?

I've only heard klouts with Keltics, didn't enjoy it, but it was probably down to the keltics. I would imagine most here would prefer 135's powering briks, but for an alternative view have a look here:

http://forums.delphi.com/n/main.asp?webtag=LinnProducts&nav=start

me? I'm happy with an old 250, I played Eric Bibb's 'Painting Signs' tonight and it is stunning.

I’ve heard these are good with bariks.

Worth a look.

mikeh

Using a NAP250 without a Naim pre-amp is a definite No-No. Remember, that if you go for a Naim pre (including the 82), you will need to buy a Hi-Cap, Supercap or Flatcap to power it. A 250 will not power a Naim preamp, so you need a separate PSU.

No, the Kairn isn't thin - unless a Naim power amp is partnering. I am surprised your dealer allowed you to mix up the pre/power amps in this way.

IMHO, I prefer the more solid sound of the LK240 (or LK140 for that matter) than the Klouts. So, demo the following:

1) 82/Hi-Cap/250
2) Kairn/LK240
3) Kairn/Klout

I did hear an LP12/Ekos/Troika/Lingo/Kairn/Klout/Isobariks (final version) - it sounded immense, heavy duty and confident.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

I auditioned 82 vs. Kairn and sorry, the Kairn was more musical, less hifi- but more enjoyable. Oh dear, how many people did I just upset! 'Surprised they let me demo a Linn preamp with a Naim power amp' oh dear, oh dear oh dear. Do the manufacturer's labels mean that much to you! I always choose the most enjoyable sounding combinations, not necessarily those with the same labels!
My sound isn't thin, in fact its enjoyably warm but a little more control would not go amiss. The new amp(s) need to run loud without closing down after 5 minutes! Mind you my old Sara 9s closed down the 250 in less than 10 seconds!
I heard recapping changes the sound dramatically, so maybe not.
How much is the Mana Stealth and is it available yet? No details on their website.

I've heard the said Stealth Monoblocs and Paul's right - awesome with Briks (there's a single box stereo version as well).

The idea that you can't use non-Naim preamps with Naim power is untrue but it does depend which one. If the 250 hasn't blown up yet then I'm sure it won't. I ran a Dynavector L100 pre with a 250 for over a month without any problems (the 250 ran cooler than it did with 82 or 32.5/Supercrap).

If you're thinking about 135s then listen to the Dynavector HX1.2. I think the latter eats 135s for breakfast but that's only my opinion. Have a listen and then decide. I guarantee that an HX1.2 will not shut down before your eardrums explode.

Alex

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll know more after my friend's lend of a pair of 135s, hopefully. I'd love to listen/afford the 500 but as I like the old romantic sound of my vintage 250 maybe it will be too much of a culture shock, even if I could afford it!
I'm not sure if the Stealth if available yet so could be a long wait.
Klout seems a option but how does it compare to a 250, anyone? Crimsons were also mentioned as working well with Briks, anybody heard comparsions made with either the 250 or 135s?
Cheers.

Paul

Arranging a dem of either 135's or Nap 500's is easy.

You try and arrange a dem of a Stealth......you will be on your pension by the time it arrives.

If it's as good as you say, then great, but Mana needs to get the supply side of things in order or else it will only be the topic of conversation rather than an implement of listening.

How many have seen sold.......less than 5 I belive. Speaks for itself.

Regards

Mick

I have heard the Dynavector HX1.2 with a Kairn with very good results ( all be it on Kef Model 4's), but these like Briks appreciate some good stable amplification.
Give it a go!

Good luck

Goose

"The new amp(s) need to run loud without closing down after 5 minutes! Mind you my old Sara 9s closed down the 250 in less than 10 seconds!"

If this is the behavior you are experiencing, may I suggest that part of the problem is a mismatch between pre and power? The Naim pre bandwidth-limits the signal for the amp.
The Linn probably doesn't. So the amp is stressed into difficult loads, and shuts down. Probably wouldn't be an issue with easier speakers. But try to borrow any Naim pre and see if the amp doesn't last longer before shutting down (if it does at all).

--Eric

If you READ my previous post you will see the reason my friend bought his new 135s was to replace his (newstyle) 250 because the 250 SHUTDOWN with his Isobariks when played loud.
And that was with a NAIM, yes NAIM 32 preamp.

BTW I couldn't care less whether FATmouth or any other inarticulate individual believes Naim preamps are better than Linn preamps, in my system the Kairn sounds more enjoyable.

Yes, except that I'd add the (old) Kans to the achievement list, and the fact that they (along with JV) made 'Hi-Fi' about music again instead of oscilloscopes. To the young folks I suppose the briks/LP12 are good products amongst many others, in the late '70s the Linn/Naim system was 'the ONLY sound' -true.

[This message was edited by Jez Quigley on TUESDAY 27 November 2001 at 06:47.]

No

I find a blinkered anti-Linn stance just as unhelpful as a blinkered pro-Naim one.

Alex

Hey Alex I ain't blinkered about Linn as many of my posts on this forum will show. I use a Karik and Isobariks everyday, and owned an LP12/Ittock/Asak (3 in fact) before some here were born, and others were still using direct drive TT's (remember them?!). I've auditioned many Linn products, but have to say their amps and recent speakers just don't float the boat.

Ok, I've calmed down. It just amazes me that people question a simple statement of (substantiated) experience. If it happened to you, it happened.
As for 'my bit of hifi is better than yours' attitude, surely people have realised it's highly subjective at this end of the hifi spectrum and depends on many factors, not least of all the way you personally like your music to sound. Sure there's differences but these can change according to system, room etc, etc. It's how you enjoy YOUR hifi that counts, its your money!