@charles1dad which SIT amp did you compare the Frankensteins to? I demoed a SIT-3 against my Dynamo and the Dynamo was superior in just about every way possible. |
Resurrecting an old thread as I just pulled the trigger on Frankensteins, mkIIIs. I had the Dynamo mkIII with 300b tubes and I was truly blown away by it. I contacted Israel about upgrading the 300bs and he convinced me to instead put the money toward the Frankensteins. I would love to hear from @charles1dad @snopro @wkkim @germanboxers about any additional impressions and if you still own them. Thank you. |
Charles,
Thank you. I recently decided to go away from inefficient loudspeakers. After enjoying this hobby for 30+ years, I finally am able to see what I have always been looking for. The pairing of a SET amp to high efficiency speakers is a life changing revelation for me. I initially purchased the Dynamo and was amazed with the speed and detail and "air". It felt a bit thin at times though and it was brutal with poorly recorded/mastered music. I felt that I was on to something though and demoed a few other SETs and decided to also try the FW (low power, simple circuit). I had the Dynamo out of my system for a few days and I don't know if I can attribute it to break in or simply that I had forgotten it's sound, but when I put it back in, my jaw dropped. Nothing compared to that amp. Israel proclaimed that as good as the Dynamo is, that the Frankensteins are better in ever way and "on a completely different level". I really did not want to spend the additional money, but with what I heard and with a proclamation like that from someone who does not exaggerate, I knew that I had to act! What I am trying to say is that, like you, I believe I have found my last amp. |
Of course I would not mind sharing at all! For years now, I have been driving my amplifiers without a preamp, directly from my CDP. I am using an Esoteric K-07. I used to own Harbeth SHL5+, but in moving toward HE speakers, I decided to try Zu DWs. With the upgrade of my amplifier to the Frankensteins, I knew that the speakers would need an upgrade as well, so I am trading in the DWs for Soul Supremes (16 ohm, 101 dB!). I am incredibly excited. |
I’ll report back when everything is set up. Thank you. |
Well, the Frankensteins arrived and I have been listening to them for 12+ hours/day for the last 3 days. I can confirm that they are truly wonderful. They don’t seem to be missing anything. My Soul Supremes arrive Wednesday and I can’t image what I will hear as it sounds wonderful right now. |
The Supremes are arriving today. I wanted to add to my previous post as I was rushing and merely wanted to give an update. As wonderful as the Dynamo was, the Franks are a huge upgrade. What stands out the most is the perceived power, but the soundstage is enormous and all the instruments have more weight. Dynamics are simply amazing. Stop/starts in music are incredibly sharp and crisp. Everything comes from a silent, dead black background. Goosebumps are a regular occurrence. I wanted to ask if there was a consensus on tubes. What 300bs and rectifiers are being used? I had a suggestion for Black Bottle Psvanes from Mr. Blume as well as a Mullard CV 378 rectifier. I'd love to hear what everyone is using. Thank you. |
@charles1dad Thank you. In addition to what I described above, I can say that I never thought I could achieve this level of detail, drive, realism. The sound is incredibly engaging, more so now than ever.
The Mullard you are using is the CV378? Mr. Blume wrote in the manual not to try tubes other than the 5u4gb, but he suggested the CV378, so I am a bit confused. I have also read that the KR tubes were somewhat unreliable.
The Supremes are amazing. The DWs could get a bit etched or strained at times. The Supremes are smooth on the highs, relaxed but extremely detailed. The sound is fuller and it I feel it is more coherent from top to bottom. Placement is very important.
What is my goal with replacing the tubes? I really don't know, but I am always looking to improve the sound. Being surprised by some new sound is something I enjoy immensely. |
I ordered a pair of Mullard CV378s from Mr. Blume. For good measure, I also ordered a pair of vintage RCA 5u4gbs. When I scrape together the funds, I will either order a pair of Psvane Black Bottles or the Acmes, based on his recommendations. @charles1dad I can tell you right now, that I am never turning back. This may sound cheesy, but this path that I have finally come across has been a life changing experience when it comes to music reproduction. |
@charles1dad From what I understand, there are not many 6EM/A7 choices around. I dropped in some NOS GEs and they were SUPER hot on the high end. Almost unlistenable. The amp came with RCAs. Before I order a few backups, I wanted to see if you had anything to add. Thank you. |
I have the MK III. Other than the stock Psvanes, I tried some KR Anniversaries. They really sound great. Definite improvement. I am lusting after the Takatsukis, but I don't have 2K. Trying to put together the cash to purchase Psvane Acmes. Israel is very fond of them and he hasn't steered me in the wrong direction yet. Send him a message, he replies very quickly. Please let us know what he says! |
I can’t say enough positive things about the Franks. Simply amazing. Thank you for the tip. |
@charles1dad the amps sounded wonderful out of the box. If anything, they are more cohesive now. The treble settled down and bit and, especially with the KRs, the bass is fuller. As we discussed, I am concerned about the XLS higher voltage requirements, but you and @cal3713 are both using them with no ill effects, so they must be an acceptable option. As much as I want the Takatsukis, I simply don't have the money for them. I wonder if the ones sold by Partsconnexion are seconds or ones that don't measure as well. I am particularly drawn to the the Psvanes sold by Israel and the EMLs because both come with generous warranties, especially the EMLs. |
I'll be honest, I love what I am hearing. At the same time, I always am surprised and love to hear improvements. I mainly want to be sure that the EMLs are a good match for the Franks before I splurge. |
I have been tormented over this decision for months now. EML XLS, Elrog, Psvane Acme or ?. Israel has been right every time so far, so I am taking his advice. I am ordering a pair of Acmes. He claims they are the best for the Franks. I will report back! |
