Stereomour II or Kaiju for back-loaded horn speaker?

[figby]

​My current 2 channel setup is an Eros 2 -> BeePree2 (all upgrades) -> Pass Labs Amp Camp Amp -> back-loaded horn speaker with a Fostex 8" FE206NV2 full-range driver. I love the sound of the setup but I'm looking to build a SE tube amp to replace the ACA and I can't decide between the Stereomour II or the Kaiju. I don't need the extra power of the Kaiju and I'm leaning towards the Stereomour (used as a power amp) but I'm concerned about diminishing the characteristics of the BeePree2. I'm sure either would sound amazing, but I thought I'd get some inputs and/or impressions from the folks here.

[hmbscott]

I have a similar setup, the difference is in the preamp. My set up has gone through an evolution like you are considering.

Version 1: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Schiit Lokius (used primarily to convert single-ended to balanced) > ACA Mono blocks running with the balanced inputs (sounds great!)
Version 2: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Schiit Lokius (used primarily to convert single-ended to balanced) > Hypex Nilai Stereo 500DIY (sounds better than ACA's, very surprising!)
Version 3: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Stereomour II (built w/o the preamp features, has all the kit upgrades, NOS 2A3 RCA Black Plates) Sounds end-game good.

I think it's fair to say that while each amp was an improvement, none of them significantly changed the character of the system sound, the improvement expressed itself primarily in increased engagement and reduced listening fatigue. Someone with better ears and more experience might be able to identify the sonic changes that are responsible for that, but that's how it hits me.

All of my Bottlehead components are significantly upgraded regarding caps resistors and tubes.

[blue360cuda]

+2 on the StereomourII -   never heard the Kaiju but after a couple weeks of break in the Stereomour is sounding amazing! Even without the DC mod its really quiet even with 100+db horns. Not running a pre-amp, just Eros2 and using the integrated controls on the amp. Did upgrade the caps on Eros and Stereomour to mundorf silver/oils but otherwise stock with the shunt regulator mod.


Funny, I was actually looking at that amp camp amp and the korg nutube or nour preamp to build with/for my son.  What do you guys think of the ACA?

[hmbscott]

I think the ACA is an awesome amp on an absolute basis, doubly so for the price, and a super fun DIY build. ACA's sound great. I really like the idea of pairing it with korg preamp.

[2wo]

I would vote for the Kaiju, I think your system can benefit from the upgraded iron.

[figby]

Funny, I was actually looking at that amp camp amp and the korg nutube or nour preamp to build with/for my son.  What do you guys think of the ACA?

The ACA is a fun build and sounds really good - especially for the price. It's got that classic Pass Labs sound signature for sure.

[figby]

I have a similar setup, the difference is in the preamp. My set up has gone through an evolution like you are considering.

Version 1: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Schiit Lokius (used primarily to convert single-ended to balanced) > ACA Mono blocks running with the balanced inputs (sounds great!)
Version 2: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Schiit Lokius (used primarily to convert single-ended to balanced) > Hypex Nilai Stereo 500DIY (sounds better than ACA's, very surprising!)
Version 3: Eros 2 > Moreplay > Stereomour II (built w/o the preamp features, has all the kit upgrades, NOS 2A3 RCA Black Plates) Sounds end-game good.

I think it's fair to say that while each amp was an improvement, none of them significantly changed the character of the system sound, the improvement expressed itself primarily in increased engagement and reduced listening fatigue. Someone with better ears and more experience might be able to identify the sonic changes that are responsible for that, but that's how it hits me.

All of my Bottlehead components are significantly upgraded regarding caps resistors and tubes.

You're right, our setups are definitely following a very similar path. I actually have a Nord Hypex amp that I've used on my setup as well but in the end it was just a bit too clinical so I went with the ACA on a whim. Based on the feedback, I'm nearly certain that the Stereomour is where I'm going next.