Thanks Wig. I take it you are sticking with the GZ34s rather than the 5U4-G type rectifier.
I have been tempted to give the EML 5U4 a try, but it is rather pricey for a rectifier. Pretty cool looking tube, though! |
Wig, Thanks for the tip. As you know, I have both the MW 5400 and the MW HAPZ1, with two truth umbilicals and both a PS 9.0 and 9.9 power supply. I am also a big fan of the Audio Magic gear, but haven't tried a LA power cord yet. If the difference is anything close to what you say, it sounds like I better give one of these a try. |
Wig, so I take it you tried both the Liquid Air and the Illusion Liquid Air umbilicals? If so, how substantial was the improvement of the Illusion over the LA?
It always seemed to me that PCs for DC would afford even more improvement than PCs for AC. Also, I wanted to ask you what rectifier you are using in your 9.9 now. |
Wig, I found some older references on Audio Circle to a fellow using the EML with his MW transporter. He had some issues due to the voltage to the rectifier being too high.
I'm having a little trouble figuring out what the deal is with the 5U4 tube, and if the 5U4G tube is actually a suitable tube for the 9.9.
I did mention once to Dan that I wanted to try the EML tube in the 9.9. He didn't dissuade me from doing so, but I would want to know more before shelling out that kind of money.
The eml tube is supposed to be a superb rectifier. I am still using the Gold Lion 5AR4s in my 9.0 and 9.9. Every once in a while I roll the Mullard back in, but I just prefer the GLs hands down to both the Create and the Mullard.
I will give Jerry a call soon on the umbilicals and see what he says. |
Rbbert, Thanks for the info on the 5U4G. Don't suppose you have any experience with the EML tube?
I do have the hole in the top, so I should be ok. BTW, (not to answer for wig) I just got off the phone with Jerry at Audio Magic. I ordered two Illusions, one for my HAPZ1 and one for my 5400. If you give Jerry a call, he knows exactly what connections are required for the MW power supplies and he is aware of this thread.
Jerry sells direct to customers as well as through dealers. Personally, I find it easier and faster just to buy directly from Audio Magic, but to each his own. |
Wig, I finally cleared enough time to get a good critical A/B in on the Illusion and Truth umbilicals with the ModWright HAPZ1. I posted a review which should appear shortly. Bottom line is that this was a very nice find, and my enthusiasm for this cord on the HAPZ1 matches your experience with the 5400. As you know, I also bought an Illusion for my 5400, but a serious A/B on that source will have to wait a while. Thanks for drawing our attention to the AM illusion! |
Wig, I agree. The Illusion is a substantial and very cost effective upgrade for the MW HAPZ1. Based on your comments, it is clear the same applies with the MW 5400. |
I found the Phillips 5R4GYS to be a good tube in the 9.9 driving the 5400,but I did not like that tube in the 9.0 driving the HAPZ1ES. I also don't like the 9.9 driving the HAPZ1 regardless of rectifier, although I haven't tried it with the Phillips yet. I need to reevaluate the 9.9 vs 9.0 again. Preliminarily, I preferred the 9.0 to the 9.9 with the 5400 also. Maybe the Sylvania voltage regulators would change my mind, but to me the 9.9 is a very solid state sounding piece. I haven't found image and stage to be anything special.
Both of these power supplies are sensitive to tubes and ac/DC cords. Maybe I don't have the 9.9 dialed in yet. |
Knghfi, how do you find the TS 5U4GB in terms of stage and image? I tried a cheap 1960s GE 5U4GB and the image and stage was crazy good. Best by far that I have heard in my system. Unfortunately, there was far too much sibilence.
Best rectifier overall I have found yet is a 1944 vintage V71 (military 5U4) Westinghouse Canada I got from Brent Jesse. Great tube in the PS 9.0.
Wig, I will look into the Sylvanias. |
Knghifi, the Phillips 5R4GYS was rather grainy and had too much sibilence in the PS 9.0. Imaging was not as good as the 1944 vintage Westinghouse, which BTW was the last one Brent Jesse had. The Phillips is a very good tube in the PS 9.9, but not a very good tube in the 9.0. I've only had it for a week, so it may change with a few more hours.
I found some RCA voltage regulators but am still looking for Sylvanias. |
Thanks Wig, I will give a look. |
