Iron Upgrades query (again)

[denti alligator]

I'm wondering whether I should save up for the iron upgrades. They are awfully expensive: $300 for the basic; $350 for nickel pinstripe; $450 for all nickel.

What would I be getting from these different upgrades? I understand bass and detail are improved. Is that the case with each? Would I, say, be getting more bass from the all nickel as opposed to the pinstripe, or does the all nickel add more in detail, less in bass?

Right now I'm more concerned with getting deeper, fuller bass.

Also, how do these upgrades compare to the 2.1 vs of the SEX? Can the transformers from the new amp be integrated into the old build?

[denti alligator]

Anyone?

[Doc B.]

I use the nickel version in my S.E.X. kit. We are also planning to put out a kit that allows one to install the new S.E.X. V2.1 output iron in the older S.E.X. kit. Hope to be able to pull that together soon.

[denti alligator]

Would the new upgrade kit be preferable to getting the all nickel? What price range would we be looking at (approximately)?

[Grainger49]

Sam,

I upgraded my Paramours, monoblocks of the Stereomour, with MQ iron, no nickel.  I got extension on the low end and additional clarity in the mids and highs.  I immediately liked it with no burn in. 

I can't compare with the SEX kit or SEX V 2.1.  Sorry about that.  What I can tell you is that Paully put all nickel output transformers in his Paramounts, with 45 output tubes, and it was easily worth the money.

[denti alligator]

To quote Paul Joppa from another thread:

Could you guys put together a kit to update the older sex kits to the newer shinier version?
I would be interested in it.

I'm sure Doc would be thrilled to have your money (!), but I don't think any of us would actually do it - there is no real benefit to you. For sonic improvements, the main thing is the transformer and plate choke. I still recommend the Magnequest upgrade iron - though I have not listened to the new iron in the SEX amp yet; the prototype is still only 2/3 done! I fully expect that the Magnequest is still going to be a bit better though - my new designs are still cost-oriented production products for our least expensive amps. They are much closer to the Magnequest parts than before, but still a bit below in measured performance, and Mike still uses better materials and has better workmanship in his products. Unless you really need the 4 ohm or the 32 ohm option, I'd go for the MQ iron. It's what I have in my personal SEX amp, and I don't plan to change it out.

So I'm guessing the v2.1 upgrade would be cheaper than the basic MQ upgrade, and would simply be another, cheaper option. I've contacted MQ for some more details.

[denti alligator]

I haven't gotten any kind of reply from MQ. Is that typical?

[Grainger49]

A call is always the best way to contact them.

[Japhy]

I've had the striped MQ iron in my S.E.X. amp for a few months now and absolutely love it.  Totally worth the money.  Reaching deeper in the low freq range and smoother yet clean all through the middle.  Really a dream come true.

[Dr. Toobz]

I also have recently emailed MQ about getting the all-nickel upgrade kit. Based on all the positive things I keep hearing, it sounds like a good investment in my SEX amp! (As well as an excuse to do a bit of a rebuild w/ upgraded parts, sockets, and wire).

[Grainger49]

Angelo,

Call MQ.  That is the best way to get advice and the fastest response.  Mike is a good guy.

[ssssly]

Definitely call Mike to order iron. Not only is it quicker but, it makes you feel better that you are buying a product from such a great guy.

As far as the different irons to my ears its roughly like this.

Standard MQ iron (if you can call it standard) Thick, engaging, driven sound. For me this is rock and roll iron. If it's thumpy loud and distorted music I go for something with the standard MQ iron.

Nickel pinstripe (my personal favorite) more extended and airy yet still able to grunt when needed. I would call this blues iron. A bit of oomph a bit of air.

The solid Nickel is dreamy. Smooth and silky like syrup. It can grunt if you make it but it really shines where you let it wring the detail out of things. Air that can be made to oomph.

They will all give you better bass resolution.

[coca]

Are the MQ iron wired as autoformers, or are they op transformers.

Bernie.

[Paul Joppa]

They are output transformers, which can be wired as autoformers. Because it's easy, you can do it both ways and decide for yourself which sounds best!