Yes it did and I am hungry for more.
How is your preamp ????
How is your preamp ????
Showing 22 responses by mrjstark
Did You???? How is he (Bob) making out......I am sure that he is busy. One of the reasones I do not call him with "S" questions. What do You think of Bob ??? I think that he is one of those guys that lives and breaths audio...... Anyway, I can not wait to hear what have been done to my amps and how they sound now - after his mod. Regards Mariusz Stark |
Bob Backert website I spoke to another audiophile about Bob's work and he swears that his mono-blocks (Jolida) were given another life. What was originally supposed to be a repair job turn to a mod that made this gentleman think about other components in his system getting the same treatment. I am personally waiting for my mono-blocks (Consonance Cyber 800, EL 34 based, 78wpc) to come back from Bob's lab in a week or two. Bob is a genius with any kind of amplification like preamp, amp (tube & SS), phonostage. |
Hey, John I have heard a great deal about Bob but I personally don't know his work. Presently, he is working on my amps so I should have more to say about his mods later (1or2 weeks). If he is as good as I think he is, I will try to talk to Bob about my new phono-stage (Consonance Reference 40 -- MM, MC, tube ractif. EZ80 and 2, 12AX7 & Amorphous MC step-up transformer) and what can possibly bring the best out of it. I know there is a room for improvement ( I have seen the guts). |
John do you have something in mind - mod or repaire? To be absolutely honest with you , I did not even know that Bob had his own website until this thread started. I have got in touch with him through the friend of mine. We talked on the phone about the work that can be done to my amps. When Umaasa started this thread I googled a littel and came across some info. about his website. I did not think that I would find anything since my friend never mentioned any other way (then tel. nr.) of contacting Bob. I am suspecting that it's relatively new & that is why you might be experiencing some problems. Best way to go is to call him on the phone. If you are interested to hear my reaction and effect it (mod)had on the overall performence of my amps.....no problem, I will be happy to share my findings with you, if it is OK with the rest of Audiogon community & Bob of course. Cheers Mariusz Stark |
I just receive the email that work on my amps is completed and there are ready to be pick-up. Here is some of the work that has been done: Installed 4 Dynamic loading circuit mods to gain stage and phase inverter/driver tubes..Rewire to eliminate cathode follower stage to output tubes.. Install 2 premium quality Capacitors to phase inverter stage .. I have not heard them my self yet but here is the fragment of the email that my friend send me. (Stephen Monte of QFS pick them up for me today and gave them a short run. Stephen is the ONLY dealer that I deal with and is always there when i need some help + I value his opinion since we have a similar taste in music, equipment & food.) "all I can say is -- WOW --- they sound incredible -- more bass- bigger soundstage -- much more clarity -and detail - wow --- Should get them on Friday. Cheers M.Stark |
Umaasa, Jmcgrogan2 (and all that are interested) I spoke to Steve today on the phone to clarify few things and ask him for OK to spill a little more details and a short comparison between "before" & "after" modification done by Bob Backert. Actually, Steve is the one who introduced me to Bob and he is also working on the mods that would help to get the best out of the components (that he carry but not only). Why ask for OK?...... Well, those who know me can tell you that I will speak my mind and I don't take sides or sh....t from anyone. So, I ask Steve to tell me if it is OK to use his and Bobs' name while describing the mods and its benefits .............or not. It's been OK-ed, so in 2-3 days I will let you know if that was the money well spend or not. Time to finish my Cybers 800 was - 2 weeks and 4 days but I told Bob that I wasn't in the rush. I asked him to take his time if it will help him to get the most out of my amps. I don't want the pressure, I want the results. But don't forget, each peace of equipment is first evaluated and an appropriate mods are design especialy for that peace and YOU (not Bob). He will ask you to describe the sound you are after and try to make it happened. Iam personally not crazy about a place that does a mod A/B/C without asking you what is wrong in the first place. Or places that will tell you that mod "A" will kill everything up to 5K, mod "B" everthing up to 12K & finally mod "C" that will beat everything, including stuff that doesn't exist yet......NO, what I want is a mod that will bring the missing peaces to my nirvana, that's it. I find people in the shadows and those that listen the masters of their trade. Bob seems to be that person. If I am wright, he might become a "secret weapon" for few that know him. But that remains to be scene (heard). One correction from the previece post that might be confusing for someone reading the work that has been done on Cybers. In "NOTE" it says that using 5687 NOT NEEDED AND WILL SLOW THE AMPS DOWN, actually what it means is that 5687 is not in the chain anymore and if it wasn't bypassed, it would make the amps slower in conjunction with Bobs' custom design mod. 5687 can be plugged in and will glow, but it has no effect on the sound. That was one of my question I ask Steve today. I hope it is clear now. I will pick them up Saturday and will do a follow up same night or Sunday night. John, as to your question: what can be done to BAT VK-75SE to make it better ??? I think that Bob might have a trick or two up his sleeves. It is a great amp and I can only imagine what it will sound like when Bob will be done with it. Actually I can't but you get the picture. Regards M.Stark |
*Pick them up today. *No time to hook them up. *Quality time first, hobby second. Heard them in Stephen Monte's' store in two set-ups. First thing that I have noticed was a change in - speed, bass, detail, effortless flow of notes. However, non of those systems resembles what I have at home and what I have got used to. To make any meaningful assessment, evaluation and potential benefits of those mods, I will have to put it back in my own system and have a listen. Stephens' impressions of the modded Cyber 800 was very positive one, to the point where he is seriously thinking about modding another pair of Cyber 800 and keeping them in the store for a demo. Seems like Bob Backert and "Quest for Sound" will be working together to bring these costume modifications to audiophile community. It is really late and I have to go but will let you know tomorrow....the real story. (Bob said that amps need around 50-60 hours of burn-in time. I think they are have way there) Cheers Mariusz Stark |
Follow up Part 1 Since Bob recommended 50-60 hours break-in time and I might have about 25h on them. This evaluation should be taken as such. I am not sure if its (Cybers 800)performance is going to get any better after full 60 hours burn-in time but I do understand that some of you are/were waiting with anticipation to hear few words about mods performed by Bob Backert. For those who might be interested in such a service, here are few ways to go about it: *you can reach Bob Backert at this number 215-355-0529 *you can go to this website - www.rhbsounddezign.com *you can call Steve Monte at 215-953-9099 *or email Steve - [email protected] In my case, all things that involved drop-off, pick-up, payment, test were handled by Stephen of Quest For Sound. All the arrangements were made with Bob as well as consultation, approval of modifications and finalizing the deal. Prices very, and there is no fixed price for any of the mods that Bob is performing. To find out the the cost of the modification for particular amp, preamp or phono-stage, contact Bob or Steve. My cost was $1175 and included: Installed 4 Dynamic loading circuit mods to gain stage and phase inverter/driver tubes..Rewire to eliminate cathode follower stage to output tubes.. Install 2 premium quality Capacitors to phase inverter stage .. Final test/burn ib time 6 hours.. The whole job took about 18 days. IN HOME EVALUATION System: Opera Audio Consonance Cyber 800 Tube amp (modify) Supratek Chardonnay Tube preamp Consonance-Opera Audio Droplet tube CDP - 5.0 CD Player JAS Audio Array 1.1 Tube preamp Vandersteen Quatro Speaker Consonance - Opera audio Reference 40 Tube phono-preamp Lenco 75 Turntable (modify) Music Hall MMF-7 Turntable (modify) Morch tone arm UP-4 Denon 103R cartridge (modify) Scott Nixon TubeDac + DA converter Sonos 130 system-1 80, 2 100 & controller transport Rega Apollo CD Player Monster Cable Monster Power AVS 2000 AC filter QRT technology MODEL RT800 AC filter Quiet Lines (4) Wiring - 90% Morrow Audio PC,IC (top models), KimberKable PC, Vampire speakers cable (top model, bi-wire, spades), Signal cable PC(2)Custom for Cybers 800 (no ground pin) PS Ultimate Outlet 20A High Current with custom power cable by Vampire Room treatment: Phase4 bass traps(2), Skyline diffusers(4), 2" absorbers(4), 4" absorbers(2) Other tweaks: Iso-pads (QFS), Home made stands, suspension stands for MMF7 & Lenco, Final "Daruma" ball bearing audio insulators, Outlets by PS, Wattgate etc. Stax headphone system OK, So how do they sound now after the mods performed by B.B???? Well, I thought about it and I wasn't sure who is going to read this, becouse it might be very misleading for someone with entry level or even average level system (I am not referring to value) hoping for a mod which will turn his system around 180 degrees and performs some sort of magic. No, it is not a silver bullet or a cure for poorly assemble system or good system in a bad room. I am sure the benefits of Bobs' modifications would be still appreciated by audiophiles with less then perfect systems but to truly grasp what his mods can do and how they can transform your old amplifier, you will need a set-up that is already reviling and match with components that will sing in sync with each other. A system that is almost perfect, almost there........but, is missing this final WOW, foot topping, face smiling, "holly s...t effect. If you are that person who wants that last 5-10% it could be it. Actually I think it is - IT. Of course I have no idea what Bob can do for your amp, what I will say next is my own experience with my amps Consonance Cyber 800. Like I said earlier in my priviest post, I've heard them after the mods but in systems that I am not familiar with to draw the accurate conclusion. Having a little extra time today I decided to give them a short run and see, or more like hear what have changed and how. Hoping for the best I hooked up Cybers 800 to the rest of my system and fired them up. After running then dry for about 10 min. It was time to listen to some familiar tunes. Two my favorite demo CDs from Usher and few others. The biggest change and I can say that with absolute certainty was in bass reproduction. Bass became more solid with energy that was not present before. Its speed, definition, tune-fullness, realism and slam was just unreal. I mean, I JUST DO NOT REMEMBER HEARING IT - not like that....oh no. Before modification it was bloated, anemic, and I hate to say it...boomy. I know....... trust me, I though that my system was pretty good before , not the best but pretty damn good - I knew it could be just a bit better in the bass department but I wasn't expecting THIS. It seemed like someone fine tune my room with acoustic treatments and put my Vendys on steroids - sick. Next, was improvement in speed - in general. Transitions were faster, more realistic. Start-stop time remind me of my beloved Martin Logans that were the champions of speed and the F-1 of all speakers (together with Mag.& Quads). Soundstage was slightly bigger but the instrument placement was a lot more precise and distinguished. Voices were stronger, cleaner and less harsh at the very top. A big improvement to male voices, giving them stronger presents and more authority but in harmony with the rest of the recording. Heights were nice before and not much was needed, actualy I don't think that it could have been any better. It could! And it is, but not by much - a little more sparkle and air. Maybe extra clarity but definitely more transparency. The best for last (except for the bass), body. To be honest with you I am not sure how to describe it, I am obviously not a writer or poet but what I am talking about is the extra body around the notes, strings etc. What really got me was how the notes, especially strings were hanging in the air and slowly fading away. That vibration of instrument which you can almost feel and goosebumps which you have no control over. That was missing in my system and it seems that thanks to Bob Backert it magically reappeared in my rig and it is here to stay. Ones again, just a reminder. If you are searching for that last refinement, and you can't seem to get it whatever you do, I would say GO FOR IT. But if you think that it is a magic bullet for everything that is wrong with your system - think again. It will improve ANY system, it all depends how much improvement you are looking for. It gave my system about 5-10% in improvement. Is it a lot - it depends on individual. Is it expensive - again, depends on individual. I know guys that spend that much on single power cord. Who is gaining more, I leave it to YOU. At the end it was a very positive experience and I personally recommend it. Actually, I am already thinking of sending my phono-stage and headphone amp to Bob for some "Magic Dust". Cheers Mariusz Stark |
Lucky, your name sounds familiar. Ever been in QFS showrooms??? I have met there a guy name Lucky .........maybe it is you? The lucky , I know modded his Jolida monos and thought about Cyber Reference 2.2 or something like that. If you are that guy...........I want to thank you....because your experiences with Bob and his work played a big part for me in choosing that road. |
Joe, this man is a genius. I just wished I have met Bob in person to thank him for the wonderful job he did on my Cybers. Maybe one day. Yes a person interested in Bobs' work could opt. to do one mod at the time to ease the pa"$"in or to have better understanding of what each modification does to the overall performance of the component. I could also go for silver wiring. That option would set me back about $350. I decided to postpone this maybe for another time. As to Bobs' work on Cybers.....it is something else. It must be heard to fully appreciate it and understand the possibilities that one can gain from his work. If you know him Joe then you know exactly what I am talking about. Cybers 800 are great candidates for modding and I would recommend it to ALL CYBER 800 OWNERS - break the "Piggy Bank" and just do it. You will thank yourself for doing it. About the value......well I am careful with my money and it was difficult for me to justify the cost of this transformation (mod), but at the end it was worth it, it really was. I have listen to Cybers today for 5 strait hours, non-stop. I don't think there is more that need to be said. Cheers Joe P.S Good to hear from you Good idea with mods that might work |
1.Joe, I live in Kings,NY(11222) minutes from Manhattan. However I do not mind driving to PA (which I often do anyways). I think, I might just do that since I have few more peaces that may need Bobs' magic touch (Consonance Reference 40 phono, Stax head-phone amp MK II and maybe just maybe my Supratek preamp just to take the top edge of) 2.John, I am glad that you took the plunge. You won't regret it. 3. Follow-up part 2... ...Holy crap..........to be continue. 4.Spiro, I don't know Bob personaly (just his work - and through phone conversations) but wish him well. Bob is obviously very good at what he does and should be known for it.....that is it (no more - no less). He is the REAL ASSET to audiophile community. |
I have just got this "crazy" idea. Tell me if I am nuts.....but here you go: My Vandersteen Quatros have a pair of amps build in them to drive the woofers. Do you think it would make any sense or difference if Bob (if he could and wanted to) try to modify the cheap mid-quality amps build in Quatros. I love Quatros but the bass is one of my only complaints. Bob's latest work on my mono-blocks was awesome but I have a feeling that some real wicked improvement can be gain if those amps were more dynamic, faster and more articulated. If he could do what he did to my Cybers......oh man.....I am already getting a goosebumps. The only question is, if I had to remove the amps myself or take the speakers to Bobs' place. Well, he might think that I am crazy ..... |
It is "28 Days Later" and the sound is truely scary. The only problem is that "Bug" is still alive & kicking. I have talked to Bob about my options & his recommendation are as follow: - modding those build-in amps in my Quatros might not be the best/performance/economical idea. - my new Granite Audio preamp could be a good candidate for mods but I need more time with it to be sure that it is the only option. Its build in phono section might also need a face lift. Or, I could mod the Ref 40 but that one is up for sell right now (to support my other moves). If it won't sell, I will keep it as my reference phono and work with Bob to bring the best out of it. Too bad I have not even tried it in my system. But who know....maybe I will. So, you got it back and it seems that you like what you hear....great. I am glad that you do since I was somewhat guilty of it too (among others). But since everything is peachy...that is all that matters. Now ............................let's hope you are "Bug" free. ( but " 28 Months Later" is right around the corrner......so, watch out .....at the end there is always that last little bug.) |
Thanks for the tip Maril555. I will have to look into this silver wire "signature anomalies". I am pretty sure that my new preamp also use this kind of wiring ( in very small amounts doug). I am tring to get familiar with new toy, and them we will see.......... If you don't mind me asking , what did you upgraded to from Supratek? If you want , I could shoot you a "P" email. Thanks Mariusz |
Joe, it is like if you took the words out of my mouth . That is exactly how I do it. I would also like to add - if it still sounds the way it sounds after few weeks...... Well that is what it is going to sound like for weeeeeks to come. Just enjoy the music. IMHO and from my experience . John if you gone try those cables - be so kind and shoot me an email, what you think of them. I might be also interested. Maybe quantity discount .... ahh??? For friends in need.LOL |
Hi Spiro, I really appreciate your thoughts about possible upgrades for my speakers as well as explanation of potentials and benefits of gold plated silver wire. Maybe , if I have known "ALL" of these informations before deciding on modification of my amps , I would have asked for rewiring upgrade. From what I understood ( it is my fault ) initially was that the wiring is silver or silver coated. That wasn't really making my hart pounding because: a) I was/am using Vampire silver speaker wires and I was a little concerned about possible coloration at upper frequencies. b) preamp used at that time was Supratek Chardonnay linestage and its behavior at upper mid and treble was questionable as well. c) I wasn't going to pay couple hundreds for upgrade that could possibly add more harm then good. This upgrade would be very interesting if applied to all key components ( knowing what I know now) : preamp , amps, speakers and connecting wires. However after talking to Bob, I am not sure if he would be interested in looking at possible upgrades for my Quatros. Man just wasn't as excited as I remember when we talked about Cybers 800. That is fine. I'm unfortunately not that skilled and confident to do it myself and I will continue to try to find an audiophile or " moder"/profecional who could assist me with this task. But I am not sweating. Right now I am exited about new preamp that will possibly be coming in few weeks ( hopefully ). Ones again, thanks for some pointers and wished that I could use them for future upgrade of my speakers............. but it might prove too much....at least for now. |
From my original conversation with Bob about possibilities to improve the already superb Vandersteen Quatros , I concluded that Bob's confidence level with work that could or was necessary to bring these speakers to another level was pretty low. I felt that since Bob's enormous knowledge with circuits, preamps, amps and such was so great that some parts of Quatro's design could be at least looked at and possibly upgraded with better quality parts, wires etc. I still think that power modules (bass amps) can be optimize to sound their best. Maybe even the external crossover could use some modification to sound even better. I am not aware of the quality of internal wiring but that is another area that can be addressed with quality wires that would somewhat close the book on the Quatro mod.....at least those are the areas that I would look for the weak spots and would start there. Of course it doesn't mean that there is something wrong with my speakers but why not ...at least try to make them even better. I am not sure but I think that Bob wasn't sure if he could actually make them better, that is why he sort of backed off from the attempt to modify them. Well, I do understand his reasons and I never try to pushed him into doing something that he wasn't comfortable of doing in the first place. I might try few things but I still believe the bigger improvements can be made in amp, wire and crossover of Quatros. But that is just me. Right now I am in the middle of trying few new components in my main rig as well as in the second system so it is not really (mod) on my priority list. Mariusz |