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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
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Message started by Philco on 10/15/18 at 23:39:03

Title: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Philco on 10/15/18 at 23:39:03

I’m sure this is a worn out question, but here goes....

I have a 2016 SE84UFO that drives well updated 1988 Klipsch Chorus’.

Of course the sickness is alive and well and I’m interested in what is a next smart step to take? DAC = Schiit Gungnir, Excellent interconnects, even an upgraded Decware power cord, dedicated PC server, PS Audio outlet.
Very simple and uncluttered system, but I am curious if the next step is worth the jump...i.e. Monos+preamp? One of the Torii’s? If so, will it be appreciable? Oh, my room treatments are under minimal review as this system lives in a room that is what it is. I’m just trying to figure out if there’s much more quality gain beyond the SE84 driving 104db sensitive speakers?

BR and jump in...

Sick Audio Puppy (aka: Phil)

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by ZYGI on 10/16/18 at 03:38:39

Sick puppy, aren't we all....

If you plan on staying with the 104 dB speakers, then hands down, your next move has to be the Anniversary amp. No question!

Zygi

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Dominick on 10/16/18 at 06:16:25

Quote:

If you plan on staying with the 104 dB speakers, then hands down, your next move has to be the Anniversary amp. No question!

Zygi

I’ll second that. I heard the 25th Anniversary amp at Decfest, and with speakers that efficient, the Zen 25th would play beyond normal listening levels. Adding a preamp with the adjustable gain would be stellar.

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Lonely Raven on 10/16/18 at 16:51:30

If the Shiit has XLR outs, I would recommend the Z-Bit as you can take the higher voltage output of the XLR and convert it to RCA inputs for the Zen amp and drive it better. The Decware amps typically like voltage at the front end.

And I also would hands down recommend the 25th Anniversary Zen amp - There is really nothing else like it out there, and it sounds way louder than it's 2.5 (or whatever) watts it puts out. With your speakers, you're in the sweet spot for getting the most out of the flea watt amp and not feeling like you're left wanting.

Those two items I feel will take you big steps above your sound now, and at a really good bang for your buck, especially if you can part with your UFO and put that money towards the 25th.

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Philco on 10/16/18 at 18:24:02

Thank you guys (Zygi, Don and LR) for taking the time to respond to a fairly newbie with AES (audio excavation sickness). It sounds like I need to get the hammer out and crack my piggy bank.

Based on the consistency herein, it’s good to know that I have a path forward that should scratch a suspected itch that there’s more archeology I can perfrom with a decent degree of return on investment.

Again, thank you all!!

Phil

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by dvl on 10/16/18 at 18:24:12

Get the Anniversary amp.

i have a Tori Jr., owned a Zen for awhile along with it, heard the Anniversary amp at Steve's. i drive Monoliths, which are very similar to the DNAs that were being driven by the Anniversary amp when i heard it. Their sensitivity i believe is 94db. With speakers as sensitive as yours, the Anniversary amp will put you in a glorious place.

David

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Philco on 10/17/18 at 00:30:57

So, my shopping list looks like this:

X1 Anniversary Amp
X1 Zbit
X1 Pair good quality XLR cables
X1 Bottle of Merlot

Am I tracking?

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by dvl on 10/17/18 at 19:10:55

i think that's about right.

i'd substitute a Founder's Backwoods Bastard for the Merlot, but then you clearly have more class and sophistication than i do...

David

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Lon on 10/17/18 at 19:14:39

I would substitute coffee or sparkling water for the Merlot as I'm not a drinker, but yes, good plan. Put it into action!

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Philco on 10/17/18 at 20:31:04

Thanks Lon,

Ironically, and thanks to you gents, I just posted a Decware classified "wanted" for a low mileage Z-Bit. If my "Z" fishing expedition fails, then I will go brand new full wholesale. Tick, tock...

XLR cables search/buy is in parallel as well. I have Kimber PBJ RCAs and will most likely default to them for XLRs.

Once I cross those two off my list, then I will order the 25th and sell my beloved SE84UFO to defray my audio bar tab.

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Lon on 10/17/18 at 22:13:05

Sounds like a good plan. Hope a ZBIT comes up for you. The waiting is the hardest part, so get orders in to Sarah as soon as you can.

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by lazb on 10/17/18 at 23:15:56

All the advice sounds spot on. The XLR cables? Steve uses and recommends the ones from "Better Cables". He recommended the cheaper one. I bought the bit more expensive "blue" ones. Silver wire and really cheap. Sound wonderful! https://bettercables.com/collections/audio-cables

Title: Re: Torii Jr. or MkIV vs monoblocks + preamp?
Post by Philco on 10/18/18 at 03:43:31

Thanks for the advice Lazb. I took your and steve’s advice and pulled the trigger on the Better Cables basic LCR’s. So, another off my list!!!