Anthem 2SE

bert26

After what seemed like an eternity (but was really only a couple of days!) I received the Anthem 2 SE purchased from Univera (Lee). I can only say that the wait was more than worth it! THANKS LEE! You made my week!

I've been listening for over an hour and a half and the tubes really tamed the brightness of the 2.3tl's (I haven't replaced all of the tweeters yet). First up was The Cult's Love - tons of layered guitars and popping rotor toms. I forgot this CD sounded so good! The Anthem expanded the soundstage and filled up my large room more than any other amp I have had to date. Plenty of slam in the low end where called for while the guitar layers became transparent in the sense that the loudest no longer blotted out the rest, they could still be heard.

Next was a TON of Baroque style music - lots of harpsichords and brass. I was able to listen without the high end sending me for ear plugs as it has in the past. Again, the room was FULL of sound, crisp, clear and clarion!

I have to admit I am very impressed by this amp - more than I thought I would be. It seems to sound warmer than what I recall hearing at PolkFest - maybe that had more to do with all the beers I was having at the time. In any event, it has me contemplating looking for another one to bi-amp the 2.3tl's (of course that is going to require more funding!)

Ok all you tube heads - any suggestions on other tubes to try? I know I have a lot to learn!

Hybrid and loving it!
Chris

F1nut

There's no turning back now. Might as well tell your lovely wife that you have a new addiction to valves.......LOL

organ

Very cool. Congrats!

bert26

I'm not sure the wife can handle another addiction at this point! I think I am going to have to pull out her Il Divo collection to prove that there is a difference between gear!

TroyD

Now you are thinking. Include her, if you don't win her over (which you probably won't) she will at least be more sympathetic.

BDT

bert26

Heh - won't be the first time (or the last) playing the sympathy card.

C-

amulford

First of all, It's way cool to hear you digging the amp. It has alot going on for it. Plenty of headroom, nice smooth analog sound and plenty of ****. Nice choice of music too, do you listen to any pipe organ?

Just a suggestion, though. Instead of getting another Anthem to bi-amp you 2.3's, why don't you get yourself a nice warm sounding 200 WPC all sand amp? Since you are going to probably only need it to drive your lower end, you don't really need another hybrid.

It'll be less expensive, too. She'll love you for that...(cause she won't like it when you start getting all that other tube gear;) )

bert26

Hey Antny,

I will be experimenting with some bi-amp configurations utilizing what I currently own. I'll probably try my Adcom 555 first tonight, and then the SoundCraftsman DDR-1200 (which will probably be up for sale soon). I also have a Carver 1.5t that I may rotate in for giggles.

I don't listen to a lot of pipe organ stuff, but I dig a little Bach fugue action every now and then!

Although I haven't had much tube experience to speak of, I do find myself wanting to try more. The visual asthetics are very appealing to me. Right now I am lusting after Doro's Cary SLP-98 F1 and the Cary AES SixPacs. Maybe when I have a spare 4k lying around I'll give those a try.... Of course that'll mean getting new speakers as well! :cool:

C-