gs5556

Responses from gs5556

Burn-in and Biasing
Leaving the tubes burning all the time will not damage anything except for shortening the life of the tubes. Tube life is (normally) anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 hours so figure on replacing the tubes at least once a year or as much as 4 times a ... 
Okay, now I think I've seen it all...
Um, from reading the ad, these appear to target the professional recording industry. I agree it's silly for home audio, but there may well be a benefit (or even a need) for these in studios, control rooms, etc. 
Tubes: 12AU7A or 12AX7 or can one mix them?
It would not be a good idea to mix - the 12AU7 operates at a higher plate current than the 12AX7. The Ia/Vp curves are therefore different and without the techno-gobble, they will not perform their function in each other's socket. The 12AU7's can ... 
Musical Complexity Issues???
How sturdy is the 'table stand? One thing to try is to improve the vibration isolation (aurios, seismic sink, etc). Also look at the coupling of the stand to the floor, esp if it sits on carpet. Placing stone tile under the stand, along with some ... 
Great service from Mark Levinson and Madrigal
Count me in also - they still service (and upgraded) my relatively ancient 20.6 mono's to this day. The folks at Madrigal Labs continue to offer support and service through my dealer even though he has long since stopped selling Levinson gear. 
Anyone Tried Shakti Stones?
Yes, and they do work. Most noticeably is atop the input transformers of my tube amps, above/below a Genesis Digital Lens and above the DAC power supply xfmr. Where they make little or no difference is on (my) speakers, power conditioner, pre-amp ... 
Need owner's manual for Genesis Digital Lens
Maybe this link will help:http://www.stereo411.com/manu/index.cfm?man=339&view=dealers&show=detail 
Dedicated line which wire?
The power line to your outlets should never be less than #12 in order to maintain the 20-amp (max) rating. Most commercial grade #12 wiring is THHN solid core copper. If you buy a cord with #10's, then you are effectively limiting the power draw t... 
Words From the Wise
No one else's opinion is superior to your own ears.If you don't have the time, patience or ability to discern a difference in a component, tweak or upgrage - don't buy it. 
No Stereophile review for Aragon Palladium II?
Whether or not a product is reviewed is immaterial to one basic fact: Are you happy with it. Don't fall into the trap where the opinion or judgment of someone else is perceived to be better than yours. Keep in mind that a review is very subjective... 
Clockwise or counter looking at the panel?
The MIT RCA barrel has two parts - stationary and rotating. The stationary barrel is to the rear, closest to the cable jacket. Both barrels have knurled grips. To remove, hold the stationary barrel firmly and turn the front (rotating) barrel by th... 
Tube question
...just to qualify my statement - the Russian MilSpec/Ei Yugo/RFT's are better sounding in my CAT MKII preamp (and associated equipment and room) than ANY other tube combo. Nothing against the NOS tubes, just happens to be that way in my gear wher... 
Tube question
As far as how often tubes have to be replaced depends on how you use your equipment. I leave my tube amps and preamp on 24/7. My tube amps are 4 watts so heat is not a major concern.I replace the whole preamp set three times a year at a cost of ab... 
Difference between Forte 4 and 4A amp ?
I owned a Model 4a - both face plate and back sticker were marked "4a". 
Best amp for Thiel 3.6 speakers?
I have owned a pair of 3.6's for quite a while. The bad rap they get for "brightness" is because they are very resolving - what you hear is the equipment behind them and not the speaker. Unfortunately, they require state of the art amplification t...