Bug,
I was looking at your system again. Goodness you have a nice rig. Your Samson and Dude look fantastic and I know sound amazing.
With the Lampy and TRL you must very, very pleased. I have no doubt your system is a music making joy.
I am listening tonight and the music is so glorious. |
Hi Bug. We have the same Dac! Same Duelund Dude also. I use the red base Hytrons CBS. Very good sounding!
Good to hear from you again. |
Hey guys, I posted on AC that I have been feverishly rolling tubes in the Dude and looking for what matches well with my Lampizator L4/G4. Both the Dude and Lamp have Duelands and neither are anywhere near burned in yet.
Anyways, when I dropped in the RCA Red Base 5692's the sound just took off like a rocket. I was floored how all of a sudden the soundstage came out to me and enveloped me. I could hear new depth in the sound bouncing right off the diffusers 90 degress to my chair. The midrange took on a new grunt and bass jumped up several notches.
Everyone has their preferences, but these tubes are awesome. I also have some NOS CBS-HYTRON 5692's and some Sylvania 6SN7GTA Tube-Short Bottle-Tall Base-Chrome Top's coming to try.
Just thought I'd throw that out there. It is amazing how more detail you can keep extracting from the Dude. So if you feel you are wanting and get frustrated, don't give up, there is room for improvement! |
Does Paul still wire the volume pot to the output side? If so that might be the secret to why .22 works. |
Hi Johnson, I cannot say what Paul has done on every build, but I do know output caps of any value .22uf and up that I have tried all worked great. Based on my experience the Dude sounds magnificent with any decent output cap, no kidding. The Duelund CAST extracts that last bit of resolution and fidelity. The JFX JB is a great alternative with first class sound.
The .22uf size works for me and many, many others perfectly no matter the amps used. SS or tube amps, 20k input impedance or 225k input impedance, the Dude partners wonderfully.
I know there are lots of opinions on the output cap size used and supposed
Synergy with various input impedance amps, but experience has shown me that the Dude abides gloriously with all. Extended and dynamic to the hilt! |
Hmmm I recall seeing white Mundorf M-caps.
0.22 sounds a tad low for the plate-driven 6SN7 outputs.
Do you have a set of main output caps at a few uF in value? |
Hi Johnson. Paul never used a value that large in Dudes in that position. He has used Multicaps, Mundorfs and other perhaps, but never that large a value.
He uses .22uf Duelund CAST if you ask for them as they are expensive. That is what I have in mine. Another really good cap is the JBX JB premium film cap. They cost less and are very, very good. |
Grannyring,
They make a difference for sure. Call Darren at Avatar Acoustics. Get the Afterburner 8 for $80.00 and you won't be sorry. |
I recall the first Dudes have 47uF Mundorf white MCaps as output caps. What are you using now? |
I have never rolled receptacles before and sense they do impact sound. |
My Dude goes into an active x-over which then has 3 channels per speaker. So I use a Parasound A52 and a Parasound A21.
I also have a solid core copper power cord. As mentioned, the Teslaplex receptacle really made a difference with it; much more so than the Oyaide R1 which surprised me. This is not to say the R1 is not an excellent receptacle, it is. In fact most of my components sound better with the R1. |
Davea33, I use a solid core copper power cord made by Paul. Congrats on your Dude! What amp do use with the Dude?
Charles, my system is sounding quite good. I plan to put Duelund caps in my Lampizator and speakers! |
Bill,
Congratulations with your current system configuration, all that work you`ve put in has payed off.
I also use a balanced AC transformer and agree with your conclusion,every component I`ve tried(includes power amp) sounds better plugged into it rather than the wall outlet.
I thought you`d be very happy with the Coincident speakers.I`m glad that worked out. We both know what the splendid Duelund CAST contribute to any component.Your system must sound heavenly.
Charles, |
Well Hi Johnsonwu,
I am now using a First Watt M2 amp and I just love it with the Dude. Great match! Best sound I have had in my room to date. Also have Coincident Total Victory III speakers and a Lampizator dac.
Everything just works well together! |
I also have a Dude with only one output. I will be upgrading to the Dueland CAST. I was wondering what power cord you are using.
This weekend I was playing with different receptacles. The Dude liked the Teslaplex best using a 20amp solid core power cord. |
Still using the Dude with Aesthetix Hybrid? |
Time to post an update to this thread. I have a new Dude that is slightly different from my last one. I went with no selector switch and just one input.
This simplifies the Dude and gives a slightly purer sound. My new Dude also has the wonderful Duelund CAST caps.
If you only need one input, then this version of the Dude is quite special. Over the years one component has stayed in my system while others have changed and that component is the Dude. I never grow tired or bored of the Dude. Quite the opposite really as the Dude is truly the heart of my music system and sets the stage for the entire system. It has that kind of profound impact on the system and music.
One interesting side point. I use a balanced isolation transformer/conditioner in front of the Dude and the Dude seems to really like it. I like the combo better than just plugging the Dude into the wall. I happen to use a highly modified Powervar unit. The stage opens up even more and the bass foundation is a tad more apparent. I like that! |
I have owned the Samson amps, the D225 amp and a TRL integrated amp based on the D225 amp and passive volume. I have a pretty good handle on the sound of these amps.
They are all cut from the same sonic cloth. Big, bold and dymanic sound. Power and ease coupled with great imaging and tone. The Samson monoblock amps have an improved power supply and simply are a little more of every great thing already present in the D225. Better dynamics and sense of ease even at very loud volumes.
If I were to own a SS amp, it would be the Samson's. I am a tube guy at heart and will someday own a TRL tube amp. |
Very nice Sutts. Multiple systems is the way to go if possible. Another Dude would never hurt..... |
I run three systems, and am searching out a third preamp to go along with my orig 'old-school' Dude and a custom-Audio Note pre. Am thinking a second Dude, or ramping it up and trying this apparently incredible SMC VRE-1c. Believe it or not, a dealer replaced his $95k Kondo M1000 with the VRE-1, said it was much better and it's solid state to boot!
Agear- thanks for the Dueland tip- I had a discussion with Paul about it after your post, and he said it is now 'mandatory' in his books as well for all new Dudes...
Granny- as for the Dude, I agree on the Dynamic front- I have several nice SET amps, and the one I prefer it with is actually the LOWEST powered of them all- a 2-watt type 45 tube. The Dude just seems to 'energize' it and make it ballsier than you would think it would be, yet retaining the refinement and naturalness- very cool... This is why part of me is thinking a second Dude as it is quite a good piece.
I picked up a TRL D225 solid state amp a few months back- it's sitting in a closet, but may have a use for it soon in a fourth system- have you heard Paul's Samson monoblocks at all? Would be interested in a user-based comparison of his newer SS gear (Samson's) versus the older stuff (D225)... |
Philipwu, you will need to ask Paul for that answer as only he knows. My Dude has 2 6sn7's per side for more gain, while stock they have one per side.
Paul can answer these questions. Paul is the owner/designer of the Dude. |
hi Grannyring,
sorry if i asked a stupid question. do you know the output impedance of DUDE? anyone? and what is the default gain that TRL made in dude? guess that's another stupid question.. anyway, thanks if anyone kind to answer. |
Sutts, stick some Duelands in your Dude first before making any unnecessary lateral moves. Do you feel the Dude is lacking in some way? Tube rolled much? |
I owned the Soulmate but in a different system and time. Very nice sounding and non fatiguing. I did not blow me over like the Dude when inserted into my system however.
The new Dudes with the better Shallco stepped volume, Duelund caps, better build fit and finish and larger transformer is the better sounding unit based on my experience. No remote however like the Smate.
I like the TE stuff as it is always smooth, quiet, refined and musical. The Dude is just so damn dynamic and live sounding. |
Hi- quick question- did you try the Tube Distinctions (Tom Evans) 'Soulmate' preamp and compared it to the Dude with the same amplification? I currently use a TRL Dude (original version) in one system now but am considering a Soulmate along with Tom Evans 60-watt Soul mono's in another system and looking for what the Soulmate pre brings to the party sonically if you can recall... It does appears to garner universal praise from a narrow band of followers mainky in the UK for an excellent solid state pre especially at it's price point.
Other option is another 'newer version' Dude, which is why I have been following the tail-end of your thread with great interest to see what improvements are possible even within the Dude family. *Incidentally, I have a TRL-modded Marantz SA-8004 SACD player that is also astoundingly good for the $$$- so far TRL is hitting home runs for me, but the question remains what about the Tom Evans/Tube Distinctions Preamp? I have heard the Soulmate is a step above the Vibe (which appears in your review as a comparator)... Thanks! |
Well, I decided to place the very best capacitor made into my Dude based on my positive experience with the Duelund Alexander caps. I purchased a set of the Duelund CAST caps. I will now state categorically that this is a major upgrade and has improved the sound of my Dude well beyond the place of the Alexander caps.
Understand they are very, very expensive caps and a set will cost the buyer over $1,000. However, Parts Connection has a sale for these at 66% off and I could not pass it up. I purchased two .22 uf caps and I am thrilled with the results.
How are they an improvement over the Alexander caps. The answer is in every single way from top to bottom. More natural and open sounding. These make all other caps sound rather noisy and mechanical in comparison. My speakers disappear more and instruments sound more real then ever.
On sale these caps cost me $400 and represent the single best upgrade I have encountered in audio.
I liked the caps so much that I purchased 4 more to go into my hybrid amp. The results have been just as fantastic! |
I don't know if I would call it an upgrade. Paul knows great sound and uses coupling caps that sound great in the Dude already. I happen to think Duelund caps are simply the very best one can use as wanted them. Mine cost $400 for the two and many might find this to costly.
IMHO I found the Duelund caps more to my liking with more body and weight and equal neutrality and clarity, I would say this is a very subjective thing, sort of like the tubes one likes to use... |
Would you think the dueling alexander caps are an upgrade that could be used to improve on stock dudes? |
I want to give an update to my original Dude review as I now have a new Dude as mentioned above. Before I tell you how I feel about the new Dude let me share some of my Dude's custom features. Since my system pairs the Dude with a SS amp and Sound Lab M1 speakers, I wanted my new Dude to have more gain then my original Dude. My Sound Lab speakers and very inefficient, but sound so magnificent that they are worth all efforts to maximize their sound. My Dude has;
- 2 6sn7 tubes per side instead of one
- The extra capacitance that comes with this
- Duelund Alexander coupling caps (nothing to do with gain - just my preference)
So how does this new Dude differ? Well it shares the same Dudeness in terms of SOTA imaging and dynamics. The Dude is the champ in these areas. My new Dude also shares the same sense of ease and control I have always enjoyed. Here are the improvements I have experienced in my system.
1) Improved looks and overall fit and finish. Outstanding!
2) Dead quiet of any mechanical noise/hum/buzz or noise through the speakers. My first Dude was also quiet, but this new one is DEAD quiet. The blackest background I have yet to enjoy in my audio quest.
3) Improved feel, operation and volume adjustment with the new 45 step volume control. Love the over-sized metal knob. It is a joy to turn as it screams - high build quality and confidence.
4) Clarity is improved with a transparency I felt was not possible in audio gear. The Dude does this and NEVER sounds aggressive or hyper detailed. Rather, the Dude is composed, rich in texture and with gobs of natural tone. All of this while delivering utter transparency.
5) I find the bass is even more powerful and deep. Tight and fast, but with a fullness I also desire - no crave!
I am enjoying my new Dude to no end and feel very fortunate to have one. It is without a doubt the heart of my system and the ONE piece that brings everything together. IMHO it represents a value of astounding proportions. Why? Because I know my Dude is one of the finest sounding, looking and built audio pieces available and I have it in my home! I can actually afford one of the best now!
Ya, I'm over the top loving my music and don't mind telling Agoners how I really feel:-)
|
Bug, I am using RCA 6sn7's from the late 40's that I got from Andy at Vintage Tube Services. I like them lots. |
RED!!! I've got some tubes coming for mine to try out. It's all broken in now.
Yeah, the Tx in this thing puts most power amps to shame. Hand wired, no PCB's, what's not to love? |
Here are pictures of my Dude.
http://s1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/grannyring/TRL%20Dude%20preamp/ |
I now have my new Dude and it is settling in as I type this. The new Dude's build quality is very nice indeed. I am taken back by this unit as is weights some 75 pounds and the power supply has more beef then 90% of the amplifiers out there.
My Dude has 2 - 6sn7 tubes per side to better drive my 20K input impedance amp and Soundlab M1 speakers. I am completely overwhelmed by the sheer size, quality and internals of this beast. The sound after only 6 hours is astounding.
You bet I am going to write a full review once it has settled in more. Music is now back in my home! |
Yes Bug, I looked at your system pics and love the new look of the Samson amps. Nice match to the Dude.
You have a very nice system and the Samson amps will bring additional musical joy as they settle into your system. |
Let us know Bug. Very sweet. I am envious..... |
Samsons are here!! I updated my system pages with some photos. Once broken in I will have to review the amps. |
Johnsonwu, does that apply to Sophia? Do you want to elaborate on your experiences? |
We demand picks of your new Dude when it arrives! |
Once I get my Dude I will try them for sure! I will update all as to my findings at that time. |
Has anyone tried the Sophias yet? |
I seriously doubt that 6SN7s will be replaced.... |
No offense to Paul in fact I respect him a lot but the only place shuguangs ought to be found is the dumpster. The chinese just can't help repackaging the same junk in bottles of exotic shapes and colors. |
Paul found a good source for shuguang tubes at REASONABLE prices so maybe CV181-Z will be stock?? |
Yes, Paul has told me the same and I may play with some soon. |
FYI, Paul said the BT CV181-Z should work fine in a 6SN7 Dude without issues. |
Vett93,
My new dude is being custom built to drive my SS amp with a low input imped of 20K ohms.
Paul is still building the Dude with the same circuit, wire, caps and such. The changes made on the newer Dude will not change the sound to any real extent. For example his 1 inch thick face plate and better fit & finish case really won't change the sound. The fact that the selector switch is now back lite so you know the Dude is on won't change the sound.
Paul now has Shallco building his volume pot, but as in the older Dudes, it is still his design - Shallco is simply making it now as it is lots of work for Paul.
The newer Dudes have a bigger transformer and perhaps are a couple of db more quiet due to some slight additions in the power supply. These few changes will not change the sound in any significant way compared to Dudes made over the last couple of years. To put this into perspective, using Paul's power cord instead of others would have a more profound inpact on the sound.
I decided on a new Dude to better match my amp and Soundlab speaker combo in terms of synergy.
The biggest change is in the case work and looks of the Dude.
Perhaps Brian or another can confirm or add to my comments.
|
Good question Vett93. I would ask Paul.
Nice system.... |
What are the differences, sonically and technically, bewteen the new Dude and the old Dude? |
Tthean,
Well, I need funds to buy the new one first. I promised my wife I would always have the money in hand before buying another new piece. I find this keeps harmony in my home.
I expect to have my new one in a few weeks.
Agear, the Dude is effortless in manner as you say. |
You should have sold your Dude after you get the new one.
When is the ETA for your new Dude? |
