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Considering the Threshold 400A...

I'll be investigating....

I do like the Accuphase. Having said that, I haven't compared it to anything other than the cheapie unit I owned previously.
 
You've got a good reference point at least. The newer ones will likely have more clarity, although that can sometime come at the expense of other annoyances.
 
FootFungus said:
You've got a good reference point at least. The newer ones will likely have more clarity, although that can sometime come at the expense of other annoyances.
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Getting off topic here from the 400A, but... what annoyances are you alluding to? You've piqued my curiousity about preamps now...
 
As you start dealing with a wider variety of gear you find particular presentations of sound that you prefer. So you might have a unit that does everything well except for 1 thing that really annoys you. You will often see treble harshness as a main complaint. This somewhat depends on what components you are using, but some units are better at being polite and playing well with others.
 
FootFungus said:
By vintage solid state standards its probably a very good one. I've never heard one. I've had one sitting waiting for repair for a year, but I'm in no hurry to hear it.

Preamps have come a long way since the 70's. Things started getting really good at the end of the 80's. You are likely going to hear a much bigger sonic gain playing around with preamps.
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FF, do you think that preamp design has improved more than power amp designs since the 70's? In other words, My 700M still holds its own against modern amp designs more than my C200 against modern preamps?
 
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I have not listened to any of the amps you refer to in the beginning of the thread.
But I currently using a Threshold S200 (optical bias) to power a pair of Tannoy Arden.
I think the Threshold amp is a very good compliment to my Tannoys.
 
If the 400 is working properly it will blow the Kenwood away on all fronts. After you buy the 400 you will be able to clearly hear what a different preamp can do for you.
 
ghamilton said:
Has your preamp been recapped?
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My Accuphase C-200 has not been recapped. I should. I suspect it'll spice it up a bit, since it's a 40 y.o. unit. In great shape, but getting old...

It's interesting how some commentators are saying "change your amp" others "change your preamp" others "recap", and others still..."don't listen to anyone, listen to your stereo" :confused:

There's merit in all of these opinions. That's why I asked! Thanks to all.

There seems to be consensus that, all recaps being equal, the 400A is a better sounding amp.
 
mad shadows said:
It´s only one way to find out - arrange a side by side comparison.
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It's true.

While I am happy to have people give opinions, they vary quite a bit. Of course, there are so many variables to consider, there's no correct answer. But, my ears can judge for themselves.
 
I've got 11 Threshold amps in my possession and 2 700Ms at the moment. The 400a (non-cascode in my case) is generally a better amp than the 700M. But not by a huge margin. If you are going to spend money for a change, the pre is where you'll most likely get the most bang for your buck electronics-wise vs the 400a. You might also look at lower wattage amps given the sensitivity of the Tannoys. Phono cartridges are another place to investigate.
 
Recapping the pre would be the cheapest thing you can do to make a big improvement. Whether you change anything else or not,...recapping the pre is a must.
 
So, I bought the 400A!

Not yet in my possession, but it soon will be, probably by the weekend.

Be prepared for a showdown between this and the 700M. In the meantime, I'll be keeping my C200 and recapping it at some point fairly soon.

Here are a few pics. It's in pretty decent shape, especially after I clean it up. Not the prettiest amp around but I have high hopes for it sounding great.

I noted that a few of the output caps have been replaced. I couldn't see what they had been replaced with, but they were obviously shiny and new. Hope they replaced them with something of quality....
 

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Here is a drawing of the schematic for that version of the amp (from a fellow on Diyaudio). Its a middle revision.
 

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FootFungus said:
Here is a drawing of the schematic for that version of the amp (from a fellow on Diyaudio). Its a middle revision.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this schematic. DIY audio is pretty closely related to Threshold amps, I think. Isn't Mr. Nelson Pass a regular contributor?

And, by middle revision do you mean, it's midway through the production of 400A's? What in my photos identifies it as such?
 
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