Chap_cat, sorry for posting so late but after reading most of the posts and suggestions I would also agree with those that adviced to take your time, audition as many amps, preamps, cdp as possible. I do understand that some might have a problem finding and auditioning the recommendations from fellow members or reviews from the press but at least try, read some reviews for general guaidence. Finding local audiophile club is always a good idea. Usualy those guys are very passionate and helpful and don't mind to share their wisdom or point you in the right direction.
$3000 is a lot of money and I would hate to see you spend it in the rush and regret your choices later.
LIsten to all but do what your hart and your ears tell you.
Many great products out there. Some are also giant killers that represent not only great value but are on par with or better the componets costing much, much more.
Good luck
Mariusz |
Dave in all due respect, where did you come up with $1500 NOS tube replacement. If that is what you paid.........It just might explain your anti_tube parade. I personaly wouldn't down anyone for their choices and preferences. We all know what we like and it might not be necessary what the next guy prefers but the most important fact is that it sounds good to you. |
I meant Girlfriend Acceptance Factor.......sorry.
I can send you some links so you can read some articles on some of those products for the next few hours or days. And then dig some more. |
Dave, if you want to play that game fine.
Tell me what tubes and which preamp did you have in mind.
I have had quite a few preamps and I never spend more then $400 on NOS tubes. And that was the most that I have ever spend on tubes for the single unit (in fact those are my Cyber mono blocks ). For exemple my present preamp is using 2 , 6922 or 7308 tubes. It is design to double the live of tubes as well so it not that bad. Two of the best tubes of that kind are (IMO) Amperex 7308 PQ white label and 6922 orange lable (nice tube for the money) and Mullards work nice with that design as well. I bought 6 pairs (one pair of each) for the total of $200. Since my preamp runs on batteries , no need for expensive cords which can cost from $100 to $1000 and more. In my opinion that is a good deal. On top of everything ,I can swap the tubes to complement the music of choice. Then again , that is me.......your preferences are different and I respect that as long as it is your opinion and not the formula for success as you claim.
Regards
Mariusz |
14X13 is quite small but it is possible to get a decent sound out of it. What is the purpose of this room and how much freedom do you have to optimize it to get the best sound possible (Wife Acceptance Factor).
If you were willing to buy all or almost all used I could recommend two or three systems that would work. Those would be from my personal experience only. But I would still try your local audiophile club......I am sure there is at least one in or near your area.
Cheers
Mariusz |
Dave, I am not saying that it is an advantage......but just another choice. I own RWA which is a T-amp and it doesn't fit in neither camp , but it sounds wonderfull. It is the sound that I found appealing not the technology behind it. I have heard few very good SS designs but the ones that I like cost an arm and a leg.
There are many sources for NOS tubes. Prices verry from reasonable to outrageous and sick. So I can see how one could end up paying top dollar for good tubes.
I might just add that there are excellent designs out there and it does't matter which cape one is going to choose but the sonic qualities that suit that person best.
Listening is the key. Just use your own ears to do it.
Cheers
Mariusz |
Red Wine Audio is one of many. I called it T-amp but chip amp might be a more accurate name. Power is limited to digital chip that is the source of juice. I am not sure but 40wpc is the upper limit of that chip. Usualy it is a very simple design but it takes the know how to squeez the most out of this technology. Since RWA Sig. 30 or 30.2 is also battery powered , the filth that degrade and hunts our systems is greatly reduced. I am not trying to promote that approach but it did wonders in my NY home. NY is known as the audiophile's nightmare when it comes to power and problems that somethimes are imposible to overcome.
If you are or ever will be in NY area , you are more then welcome to visit, listen and have a couple cold ones.
Cheers
Mariusz |
Tvat , have you listen to RWA???? If not you should give it a try. If you want to try it out let me know. I could loan you mine for a short time to try it in your rig. You seem like an honest guy, so.....I don't see any problems with that , if you want to give a shot. It will be my pleasure.
Cheers
Mariusz
P.S
IMO it is better then the ones from your list. But that is me. |
Chap_cat,
One more suggestion. If you want to fool around with vintage tube gear, I would at least look into something like H.H.Scott from the 60's . My buddy has one and I loved its middle range, liquid, musical and very seductive sound. In fact, I liked it so much that I am getting one for myself. I will pick it up this Friday. I will have Bob Backert (my favorite tech.) look at it and see what can be done to make it even better. I bought it for $300 ( Scott 299B integrated) and small mod performed by B.Backert shouldn't cost more then $300-$500. I would guess that then it should compete with the best. I will post my impresions in my system when the time permits.
Best
Mariusz |
If you go with vintage , I could help you with restoration and or to add some nice wooden case. I am done with my house renovation - that will give me extra time to finish some projects for my audiophile friends ( you too Chad - if you are still interested.) There is another option since you tasted some of the goodiess allready. But that would cost you about 4K including new speakers and components you never heard of. It would shamed the systems you heard today and put you up there with the big boys. One thing - your room dimentions - and can you pull the speakers at least 3feet from the walls???? |
Walter knows what he is talking about.....one of the good guys. I bought my Dodd preamp from Walter and couldn't be happier with the service . Glad to hear that you are finally going to get your system that you craved after.......however , I think you jump the gun.......a little early but I get that way sometimes myself. Warranty is always a good thing and Walter's generous when you decide to trade-in for new toys.
I will send you something to read tonight (on the way from work now).
Enjoy new toys and tell us if the Santa was good to you this year.........or not.
Cheers
Mariusz |
No need to worry now. He will be just fine.......after 100hrs of brake-in time, some tube rolling etc. It is called system for a reason and right now it needs to mature and to be optimized to sound its best. Seems to me that he is pleased at this point and I am sure it will only get better from this point on.
Do not forget, it is he who will enjoy it .....not me or anyone else for that matter. As long as the music is played thru that system and foot is topping, it is all that counts.
We did not get where we are on the first date either.........so let the music flow and take credit for what you have brought to this thread and for helping out another audiophile in need.
Cheers
and enjoy the music
Mariusz |
I agree with above suggestion. Behaviour of new gear can be deceiving while breaking in. Give it some time to settle in.
Get to know your new gear, and only then evaluate its weak and strong points. Address the isuess accordingly, either by tube rolling, cable tunning (Morrow spk. cables are know to excell in bass, mids - OK, hights OK) or isolation and vibration control tweaks to help you get the sound you want.
It might be also nessecary to reposition your speakers and add some acoustic treatments.
But for now.........just wait and enjoy it.
Cheers
Mariusz |
That is exactlly what I had in mind David......thanks.
Mariusz |
Chap_cat, I think I have told you that allready (hear or privetly) to take speaker upgrade into your concideration while choosing new gear.
Your system is going to be as good as your weakest link.
I know your limitations $$$ and like I said......no need to rush and smart choices - goes a long way.
I guess your journey is far from finished.......maybe it is only the begining.
Anyways, enjoy your new gear and report back your new experiances and feelings about your new system.
Regards
Mariusz |
