"Stewart Pinkerton" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 18:45:21 -0000, "JustMe" wrote:


"Stewart Pinkerton" wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 09:40:39 -0000, "JustMe" wrote:

The comparisons I made were using a PC's line out as a source (both CD
and
320kb/s MP3) and a pair of B&W LM1 speakers, at my desk, however I
have
made
similar comparisons using more "hifi" sources and superior speakers.

The pre/power amps are currently driving a pair of original Mission
752s
which
together sound staggeringly good.

A fine speaker, indeed.

Whoops - I meant VM1s with regard to the B&Ws, although I doubt you were
referring to those as "fine" )

Correct - although they're fine as PC speakers.

At one point I was driving them with a three box amp - Kraken pre amp and a
pair of bridged Kraken power amps (claimed 165 watts/ channel Class A) :-O

And Jim's research did indeed lead straight to
what's wrong with the Kraken - appalling current delivery! Into 4
ohms, it can only put out the voltage equivalent of 18 watts into 8
ohms. You just *know* that's going to be audible on peaks...........

In this particular setup (by my PC) it remains at a comparitively low
volume - I doubt I take it to anywhere near a level at which it'll clip,
even with variances from the speakers.

Again you say "what's wrong with the Kraken".

1) Do you know that this isn't by design?

I don't care. Any SET amp is bad by design.

(And I'm not asking for what *you* consider to be good design in an
amplifier, just whether you *know* if this is by design or not).

See above. I'm using 'wrong' in the context of not sounding like any
other good amplifier. You may well like that 'wrongness', indeed you
have so stipulated.

Well then this is a debate about semantics, which isn't really relevant. At
least I know where you're coming from.

2) If I like what the amp does, then what is wrong with it, to me?

Nothing, for you.

OTOH, the effects decribed would be not unlike one of the classic
nonlinearities of valve amps, so that may be why you like it.

I cannot comment on this, although I have only heard one or two valve
amps
in such a context, so haven't the range of reference as I do with SS
amps.

You might say that one man's "nonlinearity" is another man's "sweet".

Indeed, but if seeking a repacement, it's helpful to know *why* the
one you like, sounds the way it does.

Luckily I'm not seeking a replacement at this time.