Tu-be or not tube

by afc on Opinions Please
Then....
Now...
Rack and gear
Custom clock

Description

Made the switch to all tube gear around November 2009. Never going back to solid state! This system can get very loud, even with "only" 8wpc from the Coincident Frankenstein monoblocks. Nice match with the Zu Essence speakers. Subwoofer adds a lot in a large listening space. Any changes you would recommend?
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Components Toggle details

    • EAR 868
    Full function preamp, upgraded with NOS Telefunken 7DJ8 tubes.
    • MastersounD Compact 845
    30 wpc integrated SET, Shuguang 845B tubes, drivers upgraded to RCA-JAN VT-31's, pre tubes upgraded to Telefunken 12AU7's
    • Coincident Speaker Tech Frankenstein M300B Mk II Monoblocks
    With the upgraded Shuguang Treasure Black Bottle 300B tubes.
    • Ayon Audio Triton
    KT-88, 80 wpc triode, 120 wpc pentode....arrives soon!
    • Ayon CD-5
    Combo tube preamp/CD player. Computer audio ready via USB port.
    • Clearaudio Champion Limited SE
    Only 1000 made; clear acrylic plinth, separate outboard motor, Unify 9" carbon fiber tonearm, Talismann MC cartridge.
    • Zu Audio Essence
    Full range driver augmented with ribbon tweeter, 97 db/watt/m efficiency, custom jet black gloss finish.
    • Aliante Pininfarina One
    Accurate and detailed Italian made monitor.
    • Aliante Pininfarina Vela
    Custom made for the Pininfarina One.
    • Moon M-1 Monitors
    Upgraded LSA-1 monitors, Auri caps, Cardas posts, new crossover. Back up rig right now. With optional stands ($500 extra)
    • JL Fathom F-112
    12 inch driver with three inch travel, self-contained 1500 wpc Class D amplifier
    • Clearaudio Smart Matrix
    Automatic record cleaner. 25 year and older vinyl needs all the help it can get. Works very well.
    • Adcom GTP-400
    Older solid state unit. Emergency backup rig in case the house is destroyed.
    • Jeff Rowland Model 102
    100 wpc Class D amp. Largely relegated to backup duty now. But as it gets dog hot in the summer, may find more usage. Not a huge step down from the MastersounD at all.
    • LG Electronics LE5400
    55" LED-LCD HDTV wall mounted. No surround system; use as two channel video set up.
    • LG Electronics BD590
    Blu-Ray DVD player with wireless connectivity
    • Zu Audio Libtec
    10 foot pair for the Essence
    • Zu Audio Mission LS cables
    10 foot pair, 5/16" spades
    • Nordost Blue Heaven
    Bi-wired 3m pair
    • Signal Cable Ultra
    9 ft bi-wired pair
    • Zu Audio Mission IC
    15 foot XLR pair for the subwoofer.
    • Zu Audio Mission XLR
    5 foot IC
    • Coincident Speaker Tech Extreme IC's
    2 meter RCA pair specifically for the Frankensteins.
    • Audio Metallurgy GA-0 Interconnect
    1.25 meter pair, terminated with NextGen Signature RCA plugs
    • Audio Metallurgy GA-2 interconnect
    1.5m XLR pair
    • Discovery Plus 4
    3 meter XLR pair
    • Signal Cable Analog Two
    Custom made 6'/10' splitter IC to run both the MastersounD and JL Fathom off the Ayon CD5 preamp.
    • Black Mountain Cable Pinnacle Gold Interconnect
    2m RCA pair
    • Coincident Speaker Tech CST PC Power Cords
    6' pair for the Frankensteins.
    • Balanced Power Technologies BP-1 Ultra
    Power conditioner with three high quality power cables, upgraded 15 amp wall outlets. Thanks to my Audio Guy for setting me up.
    • Steve Blinn Designs Three shelf extra wide rack
    Black anodized aluminum frame, walnut stained shelves. Superb isolation. No feedback at all from TT.
    • Steve Blinn Designs Amp stands
    Custom sized for the Frankenstein monoblocks, black anodized aluminum finish and walnut stained maple platforms to match main rack

Comments 47

Showing all comments by islandmandan.

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The only change I would recommend is for you to send me the Mastersound Compact 845. I've been looking for one for ages, but can't find one in my price range.

Very nice system you've put together. I agree with your statement regarding tubes. I finally switched a few years ago now. Everything is tubes now, except Class D for HT.

Nice job on the system! Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

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