His Transparency IC,power and speaker cables are the best I have ever owned. He modded a Tandberg tuner and it sounded better my $6800 CD player. Yes, his stuff is first rate.
Bill |
I also ordered one fully loaded and now have it! I am letting it settle into my system and let you folks know what I think. I also own the 3.0 dac and all of his top end wire in my reference system.
Bill |
I own a CJ Premier LS16 S2 version. Yes, an outstanding preamp that will be hard to beat. I do love it, but had to try the 2.0. I will let you know.
Bill |
I have his preamp with all the upgrades and a nice remote volume. It works great! Just got mine about two weeks ago and love it to death. It is the finest preamp I have ever heard.
I have owned many preamps in my reference system. I know a preamp can really make or break a system. It is, in my estimation, the real heart of a great sound system.
Here is a list of great preamps I have owned,
Thor
Tom Evan Vibe/Pulse
Audio Note M5
Wavac
Jeff Rowland Concerto
Tom Evans Soulmate (very nice indeed)
Bruce Moore
Aloia
Belles 21A
Sonic Frontiers Line 3
CJ premier 16 LS16 S2
The CJ , in my humble opinion, was the finest I have owned in my home. So musical and full of body and texture. It did this without losing detail.
Now enters Mr Chow's preamp. It bested the CJ in every single way. From top to bottom, from front to back and all over. Reaches higher, goes deeper with much more authority. Better focus and clarity. Stage size is about the same - realisitic and large in scale. The CJ is softer sounding with less instrument separation and less impact.
Now this is the result in my system, in my room, with my wire and my taste. My system consists of,
Proceed PMDT transport
Music Hall 25.2 highly modified transport
Audio Horizons transparancy cable/wire throughout
Audio Horizons 3.0 tubed dac with NOS's from Mr Chow
Dali Grand speakers on Sistrum platform
Belles 350A Reference amp (love it)
2 - BPT 2.0 balanced line conditioners - one for amps and one for digital
2 - dedicated 20 amp lines
Star Sound Sistrum rack for all gear - very nice and helps isolate vibrations very well.
My room is 26 X 20 with a generous amount of sound panals and bass traps with a concrete floor.
My wife is not an Aphile, but loves to listen with me. She also felt the AH preamp bested the CJ. The CJ has wonderful midrange and is silky smooth. The AH matched the CJ in the midrange, but the AH's highs were even smoother and much more extended and clear.
I love my AH dac and wanted the preamp, but a remote was a must. I ordered the 2.0 preamp as soon as Joseph was able to add remote as an option. I think it cost $300 for the remote option.
I just cannot say enough about his gear and his service. Many won't buy from a small, relatively unknown company, but if one is willing to try his preamp, I can't image it ever being returned.
I will not be selling his dac, wire or preamp for many, many years as I am totally satisfied and content. That is a miracle for Aphiles like myself - check my feedback - Ha!
The CJ is a world class unit in sound, looks and features. To some, its softer sound may be more pleasing. The CJ adds more midrange warmth to be sure. Again, some may like this over the more neutral AH presentation. To each his own.
To my taste the AH preamp just got me more involved in the music and performance. It sounded more live and less recorded.
Bill |
One last point. I have been a audionut long enough to know that system synergy is everything. I do think Mr Chow's wire and dac have wonderful synergy with his own preamp.
The CJ may sound better in another system with different components and wire. I have experienced this fact myself over the years. I don't think it is possible to say one great piece of gear is better than another in ALL cases.
It has taken me a little while to learn this, but it has finally sunk-in.
The CJ unit retails for $8400 while the AH unit retails for $3600 - fully loaded like mine. Yes, the AH unit is very special indeed.
Bill |
Tvad, I don't like like my system to white washed and "clean" sounding. Seems to me many define transparent as threadbare and sterile. I also don't like fuzzy and over-lush sound in my system. I seek a happy middle. Seems to me the AH preamp is just that. It is very transparent, but not in a sharp and attacking way. The notes have body , texture and weight, plus I experience a wonderful transparent intimacy to the music.
I love to hear all of the detail as if it is right before me and intimate. I want it performed with all of the natural weight and tone that draws me in. Seems so hard to get both, but my current system has both. The AH preamp is the piece that helped nail this.
Hope this helps.
Bill |
Gjames, yes the unit has gold pinned Siemens tubes.
Bill |
How many of you have the remote version of the AH 2.0 preamp? I am just curious as this option is brand new.
I am just loving it to death and can't wait to listen to more of my CD's.
I wish Mr. Chow would make a nice SS or tube amp to mate with this preamp. Based on his pre and dac , I'm sure it would be fantastic.
I would also like to know if any of you use tube dampers on this preamp.
Thanks,
Bill |
Yes, I have used Herbie's Audio rings/dampers before and was wondering if they worked well in the AH gear. Thanks for your comments as I may try some.
Thanks
Bill |
Gammajo, wonderful review. Your words are well chosen and I am enjoying the very same experience with this preamp. Nice job.
I could not agree more with your comment that I love this preamp not because it is different, but because it does not sound like a stereo. It does sound more like a live performance.
Best preamp I have ever auditioned or owned in my systems over the years.
No reason not to try one as AH offers a trial period that is no risk. If a preamp exsists that sounds better at even triple the cost, I have not heard it.
Baranyi, I have owned the Cortese and Syrah preamps from Supratek and both are very good. I did not use the phono sections however. As a line stage the AH preamp is superior to my ears to both these units. It is more dynamic,much more quiet, more powerful bass, more neutral, equal in rendering of natural tone. The AH far exceeds the Supratek units in terms of clarity, intimacy and imaging. It sounds more live and engaging!
If you don't need phono, the AH unit is the easy choice. Joseph is also here in the USA with a 3 year warranty.
Bill
|
I am going to try some Amperex Bugle Boy's this weekend and compare them to the cca's. They can be had on Ebay, used and strong, for $68 a quad. That is what I paid.
I used these in my CJ Premier 16 and they were great. I will now play with them in my AH preamp.
Bill |
Cedar, where do I get Myrtle wood blocks?
Thanks,
Bill |
I have been listening to the AH pre with Amperex Bugle Boy tubes instead of the tubes sent with the unit - Siemens Gold Pin. After a couple of hours I like the Amperex's very much indeed. The highs are a tad sweeter and the mids a little more full. The bass is not as deep and powerful.
Stage size and fullness of sound seems much improved with the Amperex's. May have lost the last bit of clean/transparency however.
I will need to listen more. The Amperex Bugle Boy tubes can be had on Ebay for about 1/3 the cost of the Siemens and to my ears sound very musical.
I will listen more.
I also placed an order for the Herbie Audio Halo tube dampers and Myrtle wood blocks.
Bill |
Ok another 3 hours of listening tonight with the Amperex's. I like them better in my system then the Siemens. No doubt. Goodness the music was so special tonight. My Proceed PMDT died and my sense is it would sound better with the Siemens as it had a full, deep sound.
My new transport is a tad more transparent and forward and it seems to like the Amperex's. I know it is based on ones total system matching a likes. I am in sonic heavewn today with these Amperex's however. They are staying in! |
I would like to know what brand of damping strips or material you folks suggest and where to get it. I would like to apply this damping material to the cover plate.
Thanks,
Bill |
Thanks Tvad. I will look into that tonight.
Bill |
Goodness, glad to hear another here has had the same experience regarding this preamp inverting phase. Ok, all owners go home and reverse polarity on your speakers and see for yourself. I also have that wonderful Stereophile test CD which tests for absolute phase.
Have fun! Your preamps may sound even better with this small tweek - plus it's free!
Another question. Does his DAC invert phase?? I also own the DAC and never asked. Oh my.
Bill |
Rx8man, I like your idea very much and was most interested in your post. I left the top off my preamp after tube rolling and feel it does sound a little better. I can't explain it and perhaps I am crazy, but I do like the sound better.
I may look into your fun mod.
Thanks,
Bill |
The new preamp will also have upgraded or "improved" cosmetics. I feel the current one looks just fine. The remote option will add a phase inverting button. His preamp does invert phase for any new folks on this thread.
|
I asked Mr. Chow if the preamp inverted phase when I was a/b'ing his preamp vs. my then CJ LS16 which does invert phase. He told me it did invert phase. I played with my speaker connections and changed polarity to confirm his comments.
His English is hard to follow and I may have heard him wrong. I will wait on Sherod's response also. Did not mean to confuse as I thought this point was common knowledge.
Bill |
Yup, I have those also. I like the Amperex, Bugle Boy's better as an FYI!
Bill |
Not sure why one system does not require cable switching and another does. The preamp does invert phase and my system is out of phase unless I reverse polarity on the speakers. I just confirmed this on my test CD.
Unless another piece of gear inverts phase in the same system one must reverse polarity - right?
Bill |
Rx8man,
The Amperex Bugle Boy's are more full sounding with warmer mids and a larger soundstage. Just more musical to my ears and better suited for a digital system with any component that may be a tad HOT.
Bill |
I agree that freezing at zero is risky at the very best. One can buy a quad of nice Bugle Boy tubes used for $65 and get a warmer more organic sound without any risk of damaging the $3000 amp.
I know that cryo does seem to help the sound as I have done that to a Belles pre, wires and tubes. Zero degress in my home freezer is not cryo however.
This whole thing is most interesting to me to be honest. I am open minded, but must say it sounds very risky to me. |
I also own the 3.0 DAC and love it. To my ears it bested several well known and expensive players and DACs in my reference sysstem. One costs $8900 new and another $5000.
I have had it over a year now and don't even consider trying another unit as I am totally content with it.
His DAC is to competitive DAC's as his pre is to competitive pre's - world class performance at reasonable prices.
Bill |
John, I have the remote version so yes you can order it that way right now ($300 option). Simply call Audio Horizons, or email, and ask if you can have metal or non-wood knobs.
Sonic signature. Full bodied and loaded with texture. I would not say the preamp is warm like a CJ unit. It is very neutral and transparent without sounding thin or hyper detailed. This is a very hard task to accommlish based on my hisory with many, many high end preamps. This pre is detail and transparent, but has all of the body, weight and texture one would want. It sounds so right to my ears.
Keep in mind your tube choice can really taylor the sound to your liking. I find his upgraded Siemens tubes to be very neutral and I use them most of the time now. I also have some nice Amperex's that give the unit a warmer and less defined or less focused sound.
Should have a pic of the preamp right here on the Gon in his ad?
Bill |
I 100% agree with Sherod and you should submit Joseph's best version of the preamp. As I have learned in sales we should always lead with the best product first. Folks need to know what Joseph is capable of - his best work.
I would submit the phono unit separate and also submit the best here. The reviewer can simply state you offer the option of adding this same phono stage right into the TP2.1.
Ok, the last question in my mind is the tubes to use. Here I think you should go with non - NOS's. NOS's are more of an expensive tweek that not all TP2.1 owners will want to deal with. Go with the standard tubes and with Joseph's best electronics and parts!
Bill |
I have the remote version with all of the upgrades and here is what I have found. So many variables impact channel balance that moving my head an inch or two to the right or left is all that is needed to get to that SWEET SPOT of perfect channel balance.
My furniture placement, the recording, room treatments, room shape, other gear and the ear wax level in a particular ear! all impact channel balance. No issue at all with my AH preamp's ability to throw a perfect center image. In fact, this pre is the champ at throwing a wall of sound with a wonderful center image. I find using the XLR's outs also improves the size and focus of the stage.
My only issue is wondering if I should spend the $300 on the new upgrades? How much better is it etc..............
Bill |
I would love AH to come out with an amp. Here is my two cents worth on the type of amp you should develop. It should be an SS amp and it should also be powerful. I would say 200 watts/channel as a minimum. Here are my reasons.
- I find a good preamp mated with good SS amp gives you all the tube "sound & benefits" needed. Having a nice tubed DAC or CD player makes an SS amp even more attractive.
- I am a long time tube nut, but of late have heard SS amps that sound every bit a good as the best tube amps. The current Belles 350 Reference is one example. SS has come a long way! No need to deal with big output tubes that are hot and need replacing etc....
- Powerful SS amps deliver the scale and impact needed to create a live performance setting in a living room.
- Mate this with an AH pre and tubed DAC and you have MUSIC!!!
Joseph and Victor, get a Belles 350 Reference as a benchmark and go for it.
Bill |
Correction.
Point #1 - Meant to say mate with a good TUBED preamp!
Bill |
I also made the switch to SET 2 years ago and came back to my current, more conventional, set up with the AH dac, pre and Belles Ref 350 amp. They drive a pair of Dali Grand full range speakers (90db effecient).
I liked my SET system which consisted of George Wright 2a3 amps, Cain & Cain IM Ben speakers, matching subs, George Wright preamp and a Audio Aero tubed CD player. In the end I missed the scale and impact of a "full range" system. Sure, this system could play very loud and had good dynamics, but in the end it was not as flexible it terms of playing all kinds of music well. Loved the intimacy of SET, but found I could have it with my current system and enjoy improved dymanics and scale on other music.
I only say AH should consider an SS amp as I think (?) the SET lover is a far smaller group and potential market. I have also found one can get most of that SET sound with a carefully matched and thought out dynamic system. I know some SET systems can be dynamic and have a good degree of impact and scale, but I think we can agree they are still a step behind the best "conventional" systems in this regard.
Bill |
La45, I would love to know more about your amp. Who made it etc? It sounds very interesting to me. You're right about personal tastes and style. Funny thing is they change and someday I may be back to a SET amp. Don't know, but for now I am pleased with my current set up - just as you are.
Bill |
I found NOS tubes really improved the overall sound of this preamp. I highly reccommend the Siemens tubes that Joseph places in the unit as an upgrade. I tried some nice Mullards and Amperex Bugle Boy (white lbl), but over time I found the Siemens to be the perfect balance of neutrality and warmth. The Mullards were wonderful, but a little to "tubey" for my ears. Lost some of the transparency and softened up the dynamics a little to much. At first I loved them, but over time I found the above to be true.
To my ears the stock tubes lacked body and warmth and in the end were just less musical.
These comments are relative of coarse as the unit sounded very good with stock tubes. NOS's did improve the sound as noted above.
Bill |
Has anyone upgraded the 2.0n to the 2.1n and can you tell us what you found? I am not entirely sure the 2.1 is "better" sounding as it just may be different sounding? I don't know as I am thinking of doing the upgrade with the new caps, but have second thoughts.
I don't want to lose some of the warmth and "tube" sound by going to the new caps. I understand the new caps may be more extended, purer etc - but are they as musical?
Are they as musical is the real question.
Bill |
Thanks Sherod. I have emailed Joseph and will upgrade my dac or pre. Not sure which would have the most impact and am getting his opinion on which to start with.
Bill |
I wish these cords were not so expensive. I bet they are fantastic, but unfortunately the cost is to rich for this audionut.
I did spend the $330 for upgrading to the AH 2.1 however. My unit is due back Wednesday. I will give a full report once it burns in a little. Joseph did the work the day he received my unit so won't be without a preamp very long!
Bill |
Got my upgraded 2.0 back from Joseph and have been listening for 3 hours. I will share my initial impressions after a couple more hours. Let's just say I can't wait to listen more!
Bill |
Here are my initial impresssions of my newly upgraded TP 2.0 preamp. First, I would like to treat these comments as if comparing two different preamps. I really feel the upgraded version is far better. For me, the improvement was not subtle but rather dramatic. I know Victor has stated the upgrade offered slight improvements, however, I feel a little differently.
In a nutshell, the upgraded version brings you much closer to the music. The sound stage is spread out wider with far better deliniation of instruments across the stage. Even on the most complex of music passages, each instrument and space around the instrument is easily discerned. The highs have more sparkle, crashing cymbols sound more live and deliver greater impact. Vocals are rendered smoother. I am now able to understand words and phrases previously unrecognizable. I am also hearing instruments and sounds on my recordings that I have not heard before.
One area of significant improvment is how well the unit plays when turned up. There is less compression, and my music simply sounds as good at very loud listening levels as it does at softer levels.
Base is far more articulate and has greater slam. The original version would have a tendency to sound a little constipated in the base while the upgraded version does not hold back and is freer with the base notes.
In an A/B shootout comparision, I would easily pick the upgraded version and purchase it over the original. I am shocked at the overall improvement and did not expect such a wide gap between the new and old.
This is after only 30 hours of burn-in. The upgrade costs only $300 and is the best $300 I have ever spent on my system.
The upgrade is a no-brainer in my small mind. I am closer to the music hearing instruments - not sounds. The articulation of the details in each instrument are so much more obvious.
Yes, I am sending my DAC back for the same upgrade once a get another $400 - 2 more caps then the pre.
If I sound excited, it is because I am!! Perhaps others did not find the improvement as dramatic as me or perhaps they did and write with a little less exuberance. It may be my room and system are mated well for this upgrade, but I love it!!
Make no mistake, in my system, in my room and with my tastes, this upgrade is big leap forward.
Perhaps this one comment sums up the differnce the best. The audience clapping on several of my live music discs used to sound homogeneous and smeared. Well the upgraded preamp delivers the clapping far differently. I can hear 1000 hands individually clapping. I noticed this change immediately as I like live CD's.
My system for those who have not read it before;
AH upgraded and fully loaded pre
AH 3.0 dac - soon to be upgraded
Belles 350 Reference amp
Proceed PMDT transport
Dalis Grand speakers
AH transparency cables all around except a Music Metre Fidulus digital cable - love it!
BPT line conditioners - two of them - one for digital and one for the amps
Two direct 20 amp lines to my system
Full room treatment with traps,panals etc
Star Sound Sistrum audio rack with audio points
Star Sound Sistrum speaker platforms with audio points
Mapleshade brass heavy hats
Bill |
System synergy is so important as well as personal preferences in sound. Not just gear synergy, but also room. I had the Supratek Cortese and Syrah as well as a CJ lS16 V2 in a system of mine about 2 years ago. Had all three great preamps for over a month to play with in my sound room. The CJ was the best of the three in that room and in my system back then.
I ended up owning the CJ and felt it was the best I heard until it went up against the AH a year ago. The AH was clearly better then the CJ which I liked better than the Cortese as I mentioned above.
I compared the AH to the CJ in a new room and with a different amp and cabling as an FYI.
I find the AH very 3D in my current room. My room is 19 feet wide by some 29 feet long. My speakers are a good 6.5 feet from the back wall.
I think the room, room size, gear, wire, room treatment, gear and wire compatability etc all come together making it very difficult to say on piece of gear is ALWAYS better then another when both pieces are world class.
The Cortese is a very fine preamp. I do remember both the Syrah and Cortese having a house sound if you will. They were not as pure and neutral as the AH and that in itself will bring different conclusions based on preferences. Both Supratek units were so smooth that over time the smoothness was evident on every disc I owned. I liked the sound, but the point is I knew it was the preamp's sound in my system. Both Supratek units are more "tube" sounding then the AH preamp in the best way. More fullness or roundness to the sound compared to the AH.
I suspect tube rolling could even change things more with these fine preamps.
I know Tvad, myself and others are having fun both listening to music and playing with gear!
Bill |
Sherod, no he did not. A complete list of what we does is on his website as an FYI. I will be interested in your impressions.
I wil give another update after 72 hours of burn in.
Thanks,
Bill |
Sherod, Here is a post from Victor on the upgrade and what is included. Take a look as this helps.
Recently, Joseph took a TP 2.1nB to Cedar, who in the past has acted as a beta tester for us, to compare to his TP 2.0nB. In addition to a number of small changes made to the 2.1, at the last minute in the 2.1n we decided to replace the Hovland caps used to a larger, more expensive proprietary brand. This decision occurred after I had written my post announcing the impending introduction of the TP 2.1. The new capacitors are so sensitive to interference that each capacitor must be individually wrapped and shielded with thick copper foil.
Cedar was so impressed by the sonic improvement of the TP 2.1nB that he asked Joseph to upgrade his TP 2.0nB and his TD 3.0n.
When Audio Horizons was founded, we had a couple of clear marketing goals: 1) to provide a clear upgrade path for owners so that when they could afford enhancements, they could upgrade the performance of their Audio Horizons components (and thus be certain they were improving the performance of their system) instead of replacing them, and 2) to shun a marketing philosophy based on change and obsolescence.
As part of this second goal, we have decided to put together an upgrade option which would permit TP 2.0n and TP 2.0nB owners to upgrade their 2.0n and 2.0nBs to 2.1n and 2.1nB. The upgrade will not yield all the benefits of the newer model because some of the gains from improved layout can not be translated, but most of the gains will be incorporated--all those that can be included will be. There are six areas that will be addressed:
1. We will add four capacitors to reduce input switching noise.
2. We will remove the old multipath wiring harness from the RCA jacks to the volume pot and to the main preamplifier PC board and replace it with a new upgraded wire harness, which now comes wrapped in an extra isolating layer of Teflon for better noise suppression.
3. As a result of this harness improvement and isolation and by virtue of shielding the new proprietary caps, we find that the line filter is no longer necessary to filter out high frequency noise; in fact it actually introduces extraneous noise. We will remove the line filter and bypass it. This line filter was never a part of the n upgrade: it was always part of the original design and exists in the TP 2.0 as well. It will be returned to you.
4. We will remove the Hovland caps, which also will be returned to you, and replace them with the larger, more expensive shielded capacitors we now use in the TP 2.1n version. Our cost for these capacitors before shielding is just under $80. We think they are worth the extra cost and believe you will agree after listening to them.
5. We will diagnose and address any problems some of you have reported with ground loop issues or tube microphonics.
6. Finally Joseph will inspect the preamplifier to be certain it is operating properly.
Because of size and layout changes, it will be impossible to upgrade the chassis and faceplate.
The cost of this upgrade will be $300. Please understand, these upgrades are not a big profit center for Joseph. We are offering them so that those who want the latest Audio Horizons refinements can order them. The caps are not always easy to get so we will need you to schedule your 2.0n to 2.1n conversion closely.
I have asked Cedar to post his impressions of the sonic benefits of the upgrade. His impressions mirror our own but we thought you would like to hear them from a disinterested owner who has now lived with the upgrade for |
Rx8man,
I agrre that the 2.0 version looks better. I also like the additional room, but just plain like the overall look better.
I seem to share the same desires for a sound system.
Bill |
I know I would love to go to next year's show - RMAF. I live in Southern, MN and would like to meet up with all you folks next year in Denver!
Bill |
Sherod, I have been busy at work and have only added another 10 or so hours of listening and burn in. Still the very same reaction and loving the improvements.
Will have more time this weekend. I will let it play 24/7 again starting Friday night.
I think yours is due back today? Let me know your thoughts please.
I would like to know all the "new" changes Joseph performed on my unit. I see Victor says they have some new modifications now and it seems he will make an announcement.
Interesting........
Bill |
Well I have some additional comments on my updated TP2.0 preamp.This unit is more revealing then ever of the source component and any changes one would make in cabling.
I use a Music Metre Fidelus digital cable because in the past it has outperformed my AH Transparency digital cable in my system. This is no longer true.
The AH digital cable now sounds better in my system. My prior review was based on the Fidelus cable. With the AH digital cable my sytem has all of the positive attributes I pointed out in my initial review. All the same improvements, but there is more now!!
More weight and dimension to the sound. More tube warmth is coming through without any loss of detail or transparency.
Music has more body and texture. My goodness all of this mated with the purity on this preamp. Great combo folks!
The stage is even larger with greatly improved front to back depth. Bass has more power and impact yet!! Wow!!!!
I am so pleased with the improvements.
The performance of this preamp in one's system will always be outstanding. However understand this, I have found the updated 2.0 more revealing of other components ahead of it.
Change a cable and BAM it may float your boat even more! It did for me.
Bill |
Gammajo, I mean the digital cable between the DAC and transport. I am sure the IC between a DAC/CD player and the preamp would also have a huge impact. Any cable or source before the preamp was the nature of my post.
It is always hard to put into numbers or percentages how much better a piece of gear sounds in a system. If I were to try I can say with assurance it is not some small single digit improvement here. It would be in the order of 20-35% better for me.
Bill |
Sherod, that is most interesting. I did not notice the same increase in volume as you. For me it was very slight.
For me the things you are missing came when I put in a new digital cable. Now I tried the new digital cable after more burn in then yourself. It can be that burn in really helped.
Give it more time to settle in and see what you find around the 50 hour mark. Hope you find it more to your liking as that is the point of the upgrade.
Love to hear more of your comments soon.
Bill |
I would like Victor or someone to help us understand what they have found for burn-in time and changes one can expect over that time.
Sherod, I find I am in agreement with your overall comments on the improvements and also what seems to be missing. More burn in gave me back more of the roundness and warmth to the music. However changing the cabling before the pre really made everything come together. I use the same cabling Joseph does - at least I think I do. I use 100% AH Transparency cabling throughout my system including power cords. I think AH uses the same and voices the preamp based on this wire.
These cords have more body and fullness then many others I have owned. The Music Metre Fidelus digital cable I used to use had more detail and a front row seating position. It worked very well with older 2.0 version. However, the more laid back and full sounding AH now works much better in my system. I have all of the fullness and life I used to have plus now I also enjoy the improvements you noted.
Seems to me the updated preamp has changed pretty dramatically and what used to work for cabling in one's system now may not. I know this will mean more time and effort for ideal system matching for some - yikes!!
I am pretty confident my comments are on point and would love to hear comments from Victor or Joseph.
Bill |
I am also under the understanding that the trial period is 30 days , not 10. I also know Joseph would give longer then 10 days if asked for break-in.
Sherod, you are right about a more revealing cable revealing more of the break-in. Not sure if Joseph burned my unit in for a time or not. I do know it continues to sound better - more body and warmth to my ears with each day of additional burn-in.
I am loving all of the new detail and transparency.
Hope to hear you love the unit soon!
Bill |
I would agree with Tvad. I know from experience his wire takes a long while to fully break in. I think he uses the same wire in the wire harness.
Sherod, my unit is sounding amazing! Have you ever tried AH wire? It may be worth a try. Just start with an IC and see. Perhaps AH can send you a fully burned-in one to try!
I use the XLR in and outs on my preamp and wonder if you do Sherod?
Bill |
