Opinions on this please

[Bigman80]

So in my quest to get some valves. Ive found this

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/e3f29715f5a91e4b00b89c27af9e250f.jpg

Its a MingDa EL34 special edition.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/a0aa083c758d8b34ae22cf50bfa2b618.jpg

The valves are different.

Any experience or views will be welcome.

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[walpurgis]

Looks monstrous. I know nothing about this model, but MingDa gear is well made. Trouble is, it may be 220 or 230 volt. Might be an idea to check.

Lots of power is fun, but you'd probably only need an 8 watt amp with the Pioneers.

[struth]

yeah too much power for those speakers. not seen that one either

[Bigman80]

Agreed Geoff. The reputation (mainly your opinion) highlighted to me. Lots of power is fun though.

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[walpurgis]

Personally, I reckon a tidy Leak Stereo 20 would be great with the Pioneers. Don't worry about them being 'old vintage', they're a great amp and easy to service. They work just fine with a passive pre-amp too.

[Bigman80]

Personally, I reckon a tidy Leak Stereo 20 would be great with the Pioneers. Don't worry about them being 'old vintage', they're a great amp and easy to service. They work just fine with a passive pre-amp too.
Im more concerned with what ive read about roll-off with the leak. I dont fully understand but its "typical of the era" so says the reviewer.

Alans gear is still top of the list for me but the MingDa is a lot cheaper lol

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[walpurgis]

Im more concerned with what ive read about roll-off with the leak.

I've had several Stereo 20 amps and there's nothing rolled off about the sound at all. Quite the opposite I'd say. Driving my Tannoys, the sound was punchy and dynamic, no shortage of bass depth or top end extension. The transparency, mid clarity and just all round 'rightness' of the Leak sound is very appealing.

[Bigman80]

I know you know your onions Geoff. I wont rule it out. As I said, the Firebottle stuff is top of the wish list. This just jumped out at me when I saw it.

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[struth]

always wanted a leak 20. smashing amps, as are firebottles im told.

[jandl100]

I've had several Stereo 20 amps and there's nothing rolled off about the sound at all. Quite the opposite I'd say. ..... the sound was punchy and dynamic, no shortage of bass depth or top end extension. The transparency, mid clarity and just all round 'rightness' of the Leak sound is very appealing.

+1

The Leak St20 is a great amp, full stop.
A sensibly serviced example doesn't sound 'vintage' - in fact it sounds more modern than most modern amps! :)

[Bigman80]

Well that's a lot of positives.

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[jandl100]

.... and I'd take the el84 power valves in the Leak over el34 any day of the week! ;) A true musical all rounder.

[Firebottle]

That's one big amp. I can't find the model but there is always tweakery :D

The Leak is a very good amp.

[walpurgis]

There is of course one amp that stands out as a very likely candidate for driving the Pioneer speakers, but it's not valves. The Sugden A21a!

That would be a very difficult toss up for me, choosing between the Sugden and the Leak.

[Mr Kipling]

I'd be tempted - but only if he throws in the bananas.😁

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[Bigman80]

It is a very big amp alan. Ill see if I can find a schematic or something for you to peruse.

We spoke about the Sugden previously didnt we Geoff. That one on Gumtree has either gone or been removed.

[Bigman80]

I am tempted. Cant lie. Lol

[walpurgis]

We spoke about the Sugden previously didnt we Geoff.

Yup. At the moment, although I love my valves, I just find Class A solid state hitting the spot (mind you the little Quad 306 that arrived the other week is a goodie :)).

Shame I've got to get my SM-70 Pro fixed. Cheapo rectifier has shorted I reckon. Can't afford to do it at the moment.

[Bigman80]

There's a lot of choice Geoff. Im thinking its better to buy something you've heard too. Firebottle amps are exquisite so they are first choice, next is the MingDa, then a sugden type. Have to see what comes up.

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[walpurgis]

Im thinking its better to buy something you've heard

That's obviously a good idea. Buying an amp you've used in your own system and liked is a logical move.

[CageyH]

Stop messing around and save up for a pair of Monos....

[Bigman80]

Stop messing around and save up for a pair of Monos....
Lol, yes I know. They are amazing.

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[Jimbo]

There's a lot of choice Geoff. Im thinking its better to buy something you've heard too. Firebottle amps are exquisite so they are first choice, next is the MingDa, then a sugden type. Have to see what comes up.

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Another amp to consider Oliver is Croft. They have a long heritage and there are a lot out there which tend to come up for sale at bargain prices. If you would like to hear what Croft valve amps sound like you are welcome to pop over and listen. I am only in Stourbridge so just round the corner.:)

[Bigman80]

Hi Jimbo,

I have looked into croft amps too. Thanks for the offer ! I'll have to have a think of what's best to do as the budget isnt huge and as always im selling first to buy so want to make sure I get it right. Or at least not lose money if I get it wrong !!

I'll let you know 😀


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[Bigman80]

Just found this

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a801d2d5f79c980b487ad848c632d932.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/da0d58f9aef3e09ffde3018adfc84d7a.jpg

I have to say, I feel really intrigued about this amp.

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[CageyH]

But what is the input voltage?

[Bigman80]

110v/220v switchable at the power supply. Not ideal but can get around that.

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[CageyH]

You seem to want this amp....
Can you get to hear it first?

[Macca]

How much are they asking for it?

[Bigman80]

Cagey, Macca

Its available to me for £700. I can hear it working but cant actually have a good sit down with it. Its in scotland currently and the guy has offered to bring it to the midlands when he visits his mother next month.

I find myself at a crossroads over amplifiers. Alans gear is truly beautiful to listen to and yes I could probably try and save and get some but then the journey would be over. Anything that could rival the Firebottle range would be so out of my league its not even funny. I could possible get monoblocks but nothing else. No KIN etc so at this point do I give a Valve amp a run for a while and see how I get on ?

Ive been looking at the MingDa stuff for a while and always fancied one. This looks to be a bargain, which I like.

Alan is bringing his Firebottle gear over again on Monday and a side by side comparison would be great but it won't happen. I adore Alans amps and phono stages and he knows this.




Truth is its in my affordable

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[walpurgis]

It'll sound great Oliver. MingDa gear generally does.

Bear in mind the cost of repairing a large valve amp though, should anything go wrong. Big high quality transformers can cost a fortune, if available.

[Jimbo]

Cagey, Macca

Its available to me for £700. I can hear it working but cant actually have a good sit down with it. Its in scotland currently and the guy has offered to bring it to the midlands when he visits his mother next month.

I find myself at a crossroads over amplifiers. Alans gear is truly beautiful to listen to and yes I could probably try and save and get some but then the journey would be over. Anything that could rival the Firebottle range would be so out of my league its not even funny. I could possible get monoblocks but nothing else. No KIN etc so at this point do I give a Valve amp a run for a while and see how I get on ?

Ive been looking at the MingDa stuff for a while and always fancied one. This looks to be a bargain, which I like.

Alan is bringing his Firebottle gear over again on Monday and a side by side comparison would be great but it won't happen. I adore Alans amps and phono stages and he knows this.




Truth is its in my affordable

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The Ming ding da may look great but it won't sound as good as a Firebottle.

[walpurgis]

Fancy a drive?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-stereo-audio/leak-stereo-20-power-amplifier/1220667019

It's the desirable black one, going cheap.

[CageyH]

Give the Mingda a listen. It may hit the spot.
It has taken me a while to build up to the KIN & Monos, but they won't be going anywhere anytime soon if I can help it.

I am at the point where I am happy with my system, but also can't help wondering what some vintage Cabasse speakers with a 12" woofer would sound like in comparison to my FH3s + subwoofer.

It's an annoying hobby at times, and I guess that forum influence does not help. Having said that my system is much better now than the one I had when I joined a few years ago. It has been an expensive journey, which is why I urge you to have a proper listen.

If Alan has his Mk2 Air sorted, that could be very good, and would be worthy of consideration too.

[struth]

Think i would save up and get a firebottle.

[Macca]

I find myself at a crossroads over amplifiers. Alans gear is truly beautiful to listen to and yes I could probably try and save and get some but then the journey would be over.

The journey is never over no matter what kit you buy. :)

£700 is way too much, I wouldn't pay that even if it was brand new. You like the Firebottle amps, keep the £700 and beg or borrow the rest and get what you really want. Alan's gear is real value for money. I'm speaking from experience, I've made that mistake a dozen times (at least).

[Bigman80]

I think you're all right. Never see Firebottle stuff up for sale unless its to buy newer Firebottle gear so that says it all. Right, im now convinced. Thanks everyone for saying what I was thinking. I just needed a group intervention lol

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