Classic 60SE & Act2series 2

[Big Dog RJ]

Greetings fellow c-j specialists!

It's been quite a while since my last post, and thought I must share my new ventures which has been a roller coaster ride.
To cut a long story short: Australia is going through a bit if a recession, hence was laid off in June; had to sell off nearly all my c-j gear just to look after the family... Managed to bounce back pretty quick in Aug, and got most of my gear back as well. Managed to keep the Quads, and a few power conditioning items. I also got the Act2 upgraded to the series 2, plus got hold of a wonderful Classic 60SE with KT120's. Now once again my projects are kicking off quite well, and I have built up a strong network with projects across the region (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines, & Australia); so finally this is great!

I must say though in the interim, I was using a small 300B class A SE from Jas-Audio. This little thing was just 8watts of pure class A and drove the big stats with a very special soundstage, plus a pristine midrange that I have only come across the Lamm amps (ML2 & 3 series SE). The Jas 2.2 Bravo was one awesome amp, it couldn't do any of the attributes close to c-j, and other well known tube specialists but it was a very "musical sounding amplifier" that I had the pleasure of having for a short while. At a fraction of the cost, it was worth every penny.

Getting back to c-j; I ventured towards the bigger amps but realized for the size of room, somewhat smallish to average (14ftW x 10ftH x 25ft L), the system doesn't really require anything more than a good healthy dose of watts and current to get it going. I don't listen to loud at all, and c-j gear is not about loudness, it is rather about getting the most satisfaction from your favorite recordings. Systems claiming to be "live sounding" the live event, and so on will never achieve that live event, even if they are priced towards a house! The dynamics, and amplification from a live event are two world's apart from hi-fidelity sound in your home.

Having said that, I opted for a 60watt amp that would match very well with my Act2. All I can say is that this combination is fully worth the price, every cent and every penny. Having previously used the MV60se for many years with various upgrades in tubes along with the Act2 original version, this was equally good. What the Classic 60se does in direct comparison, takes that presentation of the MV60se to a whole new level of refinement in the soundstage, and a very well balanced midrange. I have also found the bass to be in more control and in detail compared to the MV60se.

I could think of perhaps one reason why this may be so: the MV60se was designed more towards using the 6550 tubes. Although the KT120's are a direct replacement, they are not intended for maximum utilization of a KT120. Whereas the Classic 60se is, hence better dynamics, greater control, expanded soundstage, more depth, more refined, extended airy highs, pristine midrange, and most of all "musicality to its best!"

Now, having that combination with a decent Rega RP3 (2M Black cartridge) and Quad Stats, really what more do you need to "enjoy" your music?
Cheers to all, and look after family and of course that glorious c-j gear!
RJ